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An approach to determine the origin and age of massive ice blockages in two arctic caves
Author(s) -
Lauriol Bernard,
Clark Ian D.
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
permafrost and periglacial processes
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.867
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1099-1530
pISSN - 1045-6740
DOI - 10.1002/ppp.3430040107
Subject(s) - cave , geology , permafrost , karst , radiocarbon dating , ice core , arctic , ice divide , arctic ice pack , geomorphology , paleontology , climatology , oceanography , antarctic sea ice , archaeology , history
Massive ice formations found blocking karst cave passages in alpine and permafrost regions are not uncommon, although their origin and age are not readily apparent. With two examples from northern Yukon, we present an approach to elucidate the mode of formation, using stable isotopes, ice fabric and the time of formation by the radiocarbon activity of cryogenic powder found in such ice. These data are supported by 14 C dates on associated animal and plant remains. Ice formation is sensitive to seasonal air circulation patterns, with condensation from warm humid air flowing inward along the cave roof in summer, and sublimation by cold dry air penetrating along the cave floor in winter. Massive ice blocking the two caves is shown to form by gradual accumulation of floor ice from below, and accretion of hexagonal ice growing down from the cave roof.