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Use of the schmidt test hammer to detect enhanced boulder weathering under late‐lying snowpatches
Author(s) -
Ballantyne Colin K.,
Black Nicola M.,
Finlay Donna P.
Publication year - 1990
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/esp.3290150510
Subject(s) - schmidt hammer , weathering , meltwater , geology , permafrost , hammer , snow , geotechnical engineering , geomorphology , engineering , structural engineering , oceanography , materials science , compressive strength , composite material
Ballantyne et al. (1989) presented data that show a significant reduction in Schmidt hammer rebound values for boulders buried by late‐lying snow. McCarroll (1990) questions these findings on the grounds of sampling design, methodology and unexpectedly rapid weathering of boulders at one recently‐deglaciated site. However, analysis of the data using the procedure recommended by McCarroll yields identical results, and his methodological objections appear groundless. The absence of evidence for reduction of rebound values at snowpatch sites investigated by McCarroll may reflect lack of meltwater runoff beneath snowbeds in permafrost areas. The implied rapidity of weathering on recently‐deglaciated ground requires further investigation.