Heldmann, J L; Marinova, M; Williams, K E; Lacelle, Denis; McKay, Christopher P; Davila, A; Pollard, W; Andersen, D T (2012): (Table 1) Moisture content of buried snowpack deposit samples from Pearse Valley, McMurdo Dry Valleys [dataset]. PANGAEA, https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.810715, Supplement to: Heldmann, JL et al. (2012): Formation and evolution of buried snowpack deposits in Pearse Valley, Antarctica, and implications for Mars. Antarctic Science, 24(03), 299-316, https://doi.org/10.1017/S0954102011000903
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Abstract:
Buried snowpack deposits are found within the McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica, which offers the opportunity to study these layered structures of sand and ice within a polar desert environment. Four discrete buried snowpacks are studied within Pearse Valley, Antarctica, through in situ observations, sample analyses, O-H isotope measurements and numerical modelling of snowpack stability and evolution. The buried snowpack deposits evolve throughout the year and undergo deposition, melt, refreeze, and sublimation. We demonstrate how the deposition and subsequent burial of snow can preserve the snowpacks in the Dry Valleys. The modelled lifetimes of the buried snowpacks are dependent upon subsurface stratigraphy but are typically less than one year if the lag thickness is less than c. 7 cm and snow thickness is less than c. 10 cm, indicating that some of the Antarctic buried snowpacks form annually. Buried snowpacks in the Antarctic polar desert may serve as analogues for similar deposits on Mars and may be applicable to observations of the north polar erg, buried ice at the Mars Phoenix landing site, and observations of buried ice throughout the martian Arctic. Numerical modelling suggests that seasonal snows and subsequent burial are not required to preserve the snow and ice on Mars.
Project(s):
Coverage:
Latitude: -77.707400 * Longitude: 161.596300
Date/Time Start: 2009-11-23T00:00:00 * Date/Time End: 2009-11-23T00:00:00
Minimum Elevation: 450.0 m * Maximum Elevation: 600.0 m
Event(s):
PearseValley * Latitude: -77.707400 * Longitude: 161.596300 * Elevation Start: 450.0 m * Elevation End: 600.0 m * Location: McMurdo Dry Valleys, southern Victorica Land, Antarctica * Method/Device: Excavation (EXC)
Comment:
Data extracted in the frame of a joint ICSTI/PANGAEA IPY effort, see http://doi.pangaea.de/10.1594/PANGAEA.150150
Parameter(s):
License:
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC-BY-3.0)
Size:
60 data points
Data
| 1 Sample ID | 2 Date/Time | 3 Date/time end | 4 Site | 5 Samp type | 6 Water wm [%] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2009-11-23 | 2009-11-25 | Gully | Upper sand | 8.5 |
| 2 | 2009-11-23 | 2009-11-25 | Gully | Snow | 97.0 |
| 3 | 2009-11-23 | 2009-11-25 | Upper Rocks | Upper moist sand | 19.0 |
| 4 | 2009-11-23 | 2009-11-25 | Upper Rocks | Snow | 98.0 |
| 5 | 2009-11-23 | 2009-11-25 | Ridge | Upper moist sand | 5.9 |
| 6 | 2009-11-23 | 2009-11-25 | Ridge | Snow | 84.0 |
| 7 | 2009-11-23 | 2009-11-25 | Ridge | Dry lower sand | 1.0 |
| 8 | 2009-11-23 | 2009-11-25 | Pond | Upper moist sand | 5.7 |
| 9 | 2009-11-23 | 2009-11-25 | Pond | Upper moist sand, icy layer | 9.2 |
| 10 | 2009-11-23 | 2009-11-25 | Pond | Snow | 95.0 |
| 11 | 2009-11-23 | 2009-11-25 | Pond | Fine brown layer (icy) | 7.4 |
| 12 | 2009-11-23 | 2009-11-25 | Pond | Fine brown layer (dry) | 5.6 |