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An experimental design for laboratory simulation of periglacial solifluction processes
Author(s) -
Harris Charles,
Davies Michael C. R.,
Coutard JeanPierre
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
earth surface processes and landforms
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.294
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1096-9837
pISSN - 0197-9337
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1096-9837(199601)21:1<67::aid-esp544>3.0.co;2-y
Subject(s) - solifluction , frost heaving , thermistor , soil water , geology , geotechnical engineering , frost (temperature) , displacement (psychology) , soil science , geomorphology , environmental science , engineering , psychology , electrical engineering , glacial period , psychotherapist
An experimental slope of gradient 12° was constructed, comprising two 5 m × 2 m × 0·3 m contiguous strips of natural soils. Soil freezing and thawing took place from the surface downwards in an open hydraulic system, water being supplied at the base of each soil. Thermal conditions, porewater pressures and soil displacements were monitored using a PC‐based logging system, with readings taken at half‐hourly intervals. Soil surface displacements due to frost heave and solifluction were measured using linear voltage displacement transducers. Soil temperatures were determined using thermistors and semiconductor temperature sensors. Antifreeze‐filled miniature ceramic‐tipped pressure transducers were used to determine porewater pressure variations. The potential of this experimental approach for precise monitoring of mass movement processes associated with thawing of ice‐rich soils is demonstrated.