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The hydrology, glaciology and sediment transport monitoring of the glacial-river-lake system in the Miers Valley, Antarctica

Entry ID: K046_1988_1991_NZ_1

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Summary

Abstract: A three year hydrological, glaciological and sediment transport monitoring programme was conducted in the Miers Valley. The energy and mass balances of the glacier-river-lake system was investigated and data was collected to study and quantify the seasonal variability of glacier behaviour and surface water hydrology, develop a water balance for the Miers Valley hydrologic system, determine the ... importance of temperature in controlling viscosity and the transformational potential of both air and water media, to quantify sediment sources, the relative importance of sediment transporting media and how these vary both spatially and temporally and to quantify the albedo properties of the various surficial material found throughout the valley. Three automated hydrometric sites were installed together with climate monitoring equipment. A 120° V notch weir was installed on the Adams Stream approximately 150m downstream of the glacier front and a 60° flume was installed on the Miers stream the same distance from the glacier snout. Another 120° V notch weir was installed on the lower Miers stream 300m below the lake outlet. Stream bed profiles were made at each hydrometric site. Three profiles were also measured. Two fully automated climate stations were established close to the hydrometric sites on the upper Miers and Adams streams. Quarter hourly data values of fourteen different variables were recorded at three sites including air temperature, water temperature, humidity, incoming solar radiation, wind direction and speed and soil temperature. A network of ablation poles were installed on the Miers and Adams glaciers. Three rows of five ablation poles were installed on each glacier. A survey of each glacier’s snouts was also conducted. The position of each pole was determined from survey control sites adjacent to and above each glacier. The sedimentary facies of the valley were mapped and the aeolian sediment transport processes were monitored. Megaripples that occur on the Miers-Adams delta were mapped and measurements were taken of their size and extent. Their orientation and the general ground slope on which the features were located were also recorded. The glacial, fluvial, lacustrine and aeolian sediments and the local basement (for sediment source) of the valley were mapped in detail. Existing survey bench marks and newly established ones were used to provide control stations for survey of the valley and glaciers. 21 photogrammetric height and planimetric control marks were established. Suitable features were observed and measured and graphically described to assist aerial photographic identification. The lake level of Lake Miers was measured at the eastern outlet and lake ice level was surveyed.

Geographic Coverage

(Click for Interactive Map)

Spatial coordinates

N: -78.1

S: -78.1

E: 164.0

W: 164.0

Parent DIF

This data set description is a member of a collection. The collection is described in
K161_1969_1991_NZ_5

Temporal Coverage

Start Date: 1988-11-14

Stop Date: 1989-01-23

Start Date: 1989-11-13

Stop Date: 1990-01-29

Location Keywords

CONTINENT > ANTARCTICA

CONTINENT > ANTARCTICA > MIERS VALLEY

GEOGRAPHIC REGION > POLAR

Science Keywords

TERRESTRIAL HYDROSPHERE > GLACIERS/ICE SHEETS > GLACIERS

TERRESTRIAL HYDROSPHERE > SNOW/ICE > LAKE ICE

ISO Topic Category

INLAND WATERS

Platform

FIELD SURVEYS

GROUND STATIONS

FIELD INVESTIGATION

Quality This study was part of an extension on a study investigating the hydrology/glaciology in the Wright, Taylor and Victoria Valleys. The study was conducted by Victoria University of Wellington and two students were meant to have written BSc (Hons) theses. The current location of the data is unknown.

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

JACK MCCONCHIE

Role: INVESTIGATOR

CEISHA POIROT

Role: DIF AUTHOR

Phone: +64 3 358 0200

Fax: +64 3 358 0211

Email: c.poirot at antarcticanz.govt.nz

Contact Address:

Antarctica New Zealand

Private Bag 4745

City: Christchurch

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

McConchie, J.A., Hawke, R.M. 2002. Controls on streamflow generation in a meltwater stream, Miers Valley, Antarctica and implications for the debate on global warming. Journal of hydrology 41(2): 77-103 2002.

Creation and Review Dates

DIF Creation Date: 2009-06-23

Last DIF Revision Date: 2010-02-23

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