Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-t8hqh Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-23T05:44:34.157Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

The microclimate of Mawson's Hut based on snow and ice core analysis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 October 2012

Shavawn Donoghue ,
Tim H. Jacka ,
Vin Morgan  and
Estelle Lazer
Shavawn Donoghue
Affiliation:
Antarctic, Climate and Ecosystems Cooperative Research Centre, University of Tasmania, Hobart TAS 7001, Australia ([email protected])
Tim H. Jacka
Affiliation:
Antarctic, Climate and Ecosystems Cooperative Research Centre, University of Tasmania, Hobart TAS 7001, Australia ([email protected])
Vin Morgan
Affiliation:
Antarctic, Climate and Ecosystems Cooperative Research Centre, University of Tasmania, Hobart TAS 7001, Australia ([email protected])
Estelle Lazer
Affiliation:
Faculty of Architecture, Design and Planning, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

We report the oxygen isotope ratio (δ18O) and structural analysis of four 2m long firn cores collected in 1997 from inside Mawson's Hut (consisting of a Main Hut and a Workshop), Commonwealth Bay, Antarctica, and 25 snow samples collected in 2001 in the vicinity of the huts. Our aim is to examine the microclimate within the huts. Structural analyses of the cores and snow samples indicate there were no significant melt and refreeze events, however there is evidence of water seepage into the huts from the roof. Oxygen isotope data from the two cores from the Main Hut indicate that the hut filled slowly after being abandoned in 1914. Two cores adjacent to the Workshop suggest comparatively rapid snow filling after it was cleared of snow in 1978. Oxygen isotope analysis of individual samples collected outside Mawson's Hut suggests snow, accumulated south of Cape Denison, is deposited by katabatic winds.

Type
Research Article
Information
Polar Record , Volume 50 , Issue 1 , January 2014 , pp. 37 - 42
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2012 

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Donoghue, S. 1999. A profile through Law Dome, of stress patterns based on c-axis orientation fabric patterns and crystal size. Unpublished BSc Honours dissertation. Tasmania: University of Tasmania, School of Mathematics and Physics and The Institute of Antarctic and Southern Ocean Studies.Google Scholar
Godden Mackay Logan, . 2001. Conservation management plan: Mawson's Hut Historical Site, Cape Denison, Commonwealth Bay, Australian Antarctic Territory. Sydney: AAP Mawson's Hut Foundation.Google Scholar
Gow, A.J. 1969. On the rates of growth of grains and crystals in south polar firn. Journal of Glaciology 8 (53): 241–252.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Hayman, S., Hughes, H., and Lazer, E.. 1999. Deterioration monitoring and tourism management at Cape Denison (Mawson's Huts), Australian Antarctic Territory. Sydney: University of Sydney, Department of Architectural and Design Science.Google Scholar
IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency). 2006. Isotope Hydrology Information System. The ISOHIS Database. URL: http://www.iaea.org/waterGoogle Scholar
Jacka, F., and Jacka, E.. 1988. Mawson's Antarctic diaries. Sydney: Allen and Unwin.Google Scholar
Lazer, E. 2006. Antarctic and sub-Antarctic cultural heritage. Canberra: Department of Environment and Heritage (Article prepared for the 2006 Australian State of the Environment Committee, Department of Environment and Heritage, Canberra. URL: http://www.environment.gov.au/soe/2006/publications/commentaries/antarctic-heritage/index.htmlGoogle Scholar
Ledingham, R., Macklan, G., Ledingham, J., and Brookes, R.. 1978. Commonwealth Bay report, 18 January to 26 February. Hobart: Department of Science, Antarctic Division (Antarctic Division technical memorandum 69).Google Scholar
Li, J., Jacka, T.H., and Morgan, V.I.. 1998. Crystal size and microparticle record in the ice from Dome Summit South, Law Dome, East Antarctica. Annals of Glaciology 27: 343–348.Google Scholar
Madigan, C.T. 1929. Tabulated and reduced records of the Cape Denison station, Adélie Land. Australasian Antarctic Expedition 1911–1914. Sydney: Government Printer (Science Report, Series B 4).Google Scholar
Mawson, M. 1971. Home of the blizzard. Adelaide: Seal Books.Google Scholar
McGowan, A. 1987. Archaeology from the ice: excavation methods in a frozen hut. The Australian Journal of Historical Archaeology 5: 49–53.Google Scholar
Morgan, V.I. 1982. Antarctic ice sheet surface oxygen isotope values. Journal of Glaciology 28 (99): 315–323.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Parish, T.R., and Walker, R.. 2006. A re-examination of the winds of Adélie Land, Antarctica. Australian Meteorological Magazine 55: 105–117.Google Scholar
Paterson, W.S.B. 1994. Physics of glaciers. 3rd edn.Tarrytown, NY: Elsevier Science.Google Scholar