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The role of moisture in rock weathering at Terra Nova Bay, Victoria Land, Antarctica

Entry ID: K056_2002_2005_NZ_3

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Summary

Abstract: Field measurements and rock samples were taken at Terra Nova Bay (03-04) to determine the role of moisture in rock weathering processes along the Victoria land Coast. Surface and sub-surface temperatures were taken from rocks in the area. Holes were drilled into the rock at 45mm, 90mm and 400mm depths with thermocouples inserted and attached. Measurements were made at one-minute intervals during ... each physical visit in order to determine the number of times the temperature gradients at either the surface or the individual depths exceeded 2° C per minute, a recognised threshold for thermal weathering to occur. Three thermocouples were attached to the surface at each site. The data loggers were then set to record the temperature hourly for the November to January period. Data loggers were left in place till the following season. Surface and sub-surface moisture content was also measured. Surface moisture sensors were attached to the rock surface measuring date, time of surface moisture event and their magnitude. The time events happened was analysed to see how they correlated with changes in moisture at depth within the rock. Manual measurement were recorded at 45mm and 90mm depths within the rock every four hours for a 48 hour period. In addition to these measurements the hardness of the rock site was conducted using a Schmidt Hammer and a sonometer (to measure velocity of sound waves) as proxies for rock strength, digital images of rock surfaces were taken, estimation of the availability of moisture using a rainfall sensor, a general description of the area including GPS co-ordinates, weather characteristics and other relevant features were taken, solar radiation, rock albedo and position of shadows were measures and a series of weather observations was undertaken including; air temperature, air pressure, relative humidity, wind speed and direction, cloud cover and type, visibility and precipitation conditions. Monitoring of moisture changes in small rock blocks based on measured changes in weight over time was also conducted. Rock samples were collected for later use in laboratory simulations and analysed for their mineral and chemical composition. An empirically based mathematical model will be developed that will predict changes in weathering rate depending on changes in moisture in the rock. In the 04/05 season data on rock surface and sub-surface temperatures at 1 minute intervals, manual recordings of moisture at 45mm and 90mm depths within the rock every 4 hours for approximately 4 days for each of 2 aspects, download data from over winter data loggers and repeated rock strength, samples and other measurements were carried out.

Related URL

Link: VIEW RELATED INFORMATION

Description: University of Canterbury, Christchurch New Zealand

Geographic Coverage

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Spatial coordinates

N: -77.68

S: -77.68

E: 164.12

W: 164.12

Parent DIF

This data set description is a member of a collection. The collection is described in
K056_2002_2005_NZ

Temporal Coverage

Start Date: 2002-10-17

Stop Date: 2004-11-22

Location Keywords

CONTINENT > ANTARCTICA > VICTORIA LAND COAST

CONTINENT > ANTARCTICA > TERRA NOVA BAY

CONTINENT > ANTARCTICA

GEOGRAPHIC REGION > POLAR

Data Resolution

Temporal Resolution: Hourly
Temporal Resolution Range: Hourly - < Daily

Science Keywords

ATMOSPHERE > ATMOSPHERIC TEMPERATURE > TEMPERATURE PROFILES

ATMOSPHERE > PRECIPITATION > SNOW

ISO Topic Category

CLIMATOLOGY/METEOROLOGY/ATMOSPHERE

GEOSCIENTIFIC INFORMATION

Instrument

THERMOCOUPLES

Project

LGP > Latitudinal Gradient Project

EBA > Evolution and Biodiversity in the Antarctic

Data Set Progress

COMPLETE

Data Center

Antarctica New Zealand, New Zealand Antarctic Institute, New Zealand

Data Center URL: http://www.antarcticanz.govt.nz/

Data Center Personnel
Name: SHULAMIT GORDON Phone: +64 3 358 0200 Fax: +64 3 358 0211 Email: s.gordon at antarcticanz.govt.nz Contact Address: Antarctica New Zealand Private Bag 4745 City: Christchurch Country: New Zealand

Personnel

CHRISTINE ELLIOTT

Role: INVESTIGATOR

Phone: +64 3 366 7001

Email: c.elliot at canterbury.ac.nz

Contact Address:

Department of Geography

University of Canterbury

City: Private Bag

Province or State: Christchurch

Postal Code: 4800

Country: NEW ZEALAND

SHULAMIT GORDON

Role: DIF AUTHOR

Phone: +64 3 358 0200

Fax: +64 3 358 0211

Email: s.gordon at antarcticanz.govt.nz

Contact Address:

Antarctica New Zealand

Private Bag 4745

City: Christchurch

Country: New Zealand

Publications/References

Elliott, C. Modelling the influence of moisture variations on physical rock weathering processes in Antarctica: proposed investigations and preliminary results. in: Extended abstracts - 8th International Conference on Permafrost, Zurich, Switzerland, July 20-25, 2003. Haeberli W. Brandova D. (eds): International Permafrost Association. 2003. pp.31-32

Creation and Review Dates

DIF Creation Date: 2005-07-26

Last DIF Revision Date: 2008-03-05

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