Topoclimatic Zones and Ice Dynamics in the Caves of the Northern Yukon, Canada

Авторы

  • B. Lauriol
  • L. Carrier
  • P. Thibaudeau

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14430/arctic1720

Ключевые слова:

Accumulation, Atmospheric circulation, Caves, Crystals, Formation, Ice, Meteorology, Microclimatology, Sublimation, Yukon, Northern

Аннотация

In the upper basin of the Porcupine River, the subhorizontal caves of Bear Cave and Tsi-it-toh-Choh mountains are characterized by a very rich ice zone. The authors propose a model for the build-up of ice based on the formation of hexagonal ice sublimation crystals on the cold walls of underground passages. In this model, water freezes and thaws many times, causing a series of different forms from the ceiling to the floor of the caves. This process will sometimes provoke total obstruction of a passage due to particular topoclimatic conditions or a change of climate, notably an increase in atmospheric humidity. During the summer the passage where the ice is located is preceded by a warm and humid passage and is followed by a cold and extremely dry passage, in which are preserved fragments of wood, animal faeces and remains of small mammals.

Key words: Yukon, Porcupine River, Bear Cave and Tsi-it-toh-Choh mountains, caves, climate, cave ice

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Опубликован

1988-01-01

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Раздел

Articles