Biotic and abiotic processes on granite weathering landforms in a cryotic environment, Northern Victoria Land, Antarctica

In honour of Professor Emeritus Hugh M. French : papers from the joint Meeting of the Canadian Geomorphology Research Group and l'Association Québécoise pour l'Etude du Quaternaire, May 2004. Special Issue

Auteurs :
GUGLIELMIN, M.
CANNONE, N.
STRINI, A.
LEWKOWICZ, A.G.
LEWKOWICZ, A.G.

Description :
A multidisciplinary study was carried out to understand the interactions between biotic and abiotic processes in granite weathering in ice-free areas of Northern Victoria Land. Examples of tafoni, pits and grooves were analysed, focusing on their morphometry, infills, weathering rind types and vegetation patterns. Surface and subsurface temperatures and incoming radiation were measured to characterize microclimatic conditions. In addition, microscopic, SEM and X-ray diffraction analyses of granite were carried out. These analyses indicate that, under present conditions, mechanical weathering is the main process active in the formation of tafoni, which post-date pits and grooves.


Type de document :
Article de monographie

Source :
Permafrost and periglacial processes, issn : 1045-6740, 2005, vol. 16, n°. 1, p. 69-85, nombre de pages : 17, Collation : Illustration, Références bibliographiques : 64 ref.

Date :
2005

Editeur :
Pays édition : Royaume-Uni, Chichester, Wiley