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Spatial and Temporal Active Layer Dynamics along Three Glacial Meltwater Streams in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica

Spatial and Temporal Active Layer Dynamics along Three Glacial Meltwater Streams in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica

Authors :
Diane M. McKnight
Peter A. Conovitz
Lee H. MacDonald
Source :
Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research. 38:42-53
Publication Year :
2006
Publisher :
Informa UK Limited, 2006.

Abstract

Active layer thickness was monitored along three ephemeral streams in the Taylor Dry Valley of Antarctica during the 1997–1998 summer season. Five to seven cross sections were established on each stream, and the thickness of the active layer was measured every 1.5 m over intervals ranging from 2 to 30 days. Active layer depths ranged from a minimum of 3 cm in early November to a maximum of 60 cm in late January, and the depth of the active layer increased rapidly as summer temperatures climbed above freezing. While there were significant differences in the thickness of the active layer among the three streams, the timing of rapid thaw was similar for all cross sections. Changes in active layer thickness were responsive to both daily and seasonal changes in air temperature. There was more rapid thaw under the areas with flowing water, suggesting a transfer of heat from meltwater into the underlying sediments, and some evidence of an insulating effect during cold periods. Active layer thickness was...

Details

ISSN :
19384246 and 15230430
Volume :
38
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research
Accession number :
edsair.doi...........905eeadea2aa20903e84152f458bb7d3
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1657/1523-0430(2006)038[0042:satald]2.0.co;2