WEATHERING OF PALEOZOIC MARBLES IN THE INDEPENDENCE HILLS AND PATRIOT HILLS,ELLSWORTH MOUNTAINS,ANTARCTICA |
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| Authors: | Kenji Yoshikawa Satoshi Ishimaru Koichiro Harada |
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| Institution: | 1. Water and Environmental Research Center , University of Alaska , Fairbanks, Alaska 99775–5860;2. Geological Survey of Hokkaido , Sapporo 060 Japan;3. Miyagi Agricultural College , 2–2–1 Hatatate Taihaku-ku Sendai 982–0215 Japan |
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| Abstract: | Weathering processes in the Ellsworth Mountains of Antarctica are dominated by frost action. These processes were observed to be different on the same group of marbles under different slope conditions. North- and south-facing walls of the bedrock showed the same shattering rate in the summer of 1992–1993. Frost shattering of rocks is controlled by surface temperature, moisture, and the physical properties of the rock. The most important control on frost shattering in this area was moisture availability, given the same bedrock and freeze-thaw cycle. Snow particles are moved by katabatic winds, bringing moisture to the rock. Moisture is collected mainly in lower cliffs and cols. Key words: weathering, marble, moisture conditions, Antarctica.] |
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