Geometric evolution of polygonal terrain networks in the Canadian High Arctic : evidence of increasing regularity over time

Auteur(s) et Affiliation(s)

HALTIGIN, T.W.

Dept. of Geography, McGill University, Montreal, Canada

Space Science and Technology, Canadian Space Agency, QC, St. Hubert, Canada

POLLARD, W.H.

Dept. of Geography, McGill University, Montreal, Canada

DUTILLEUL, P.

Dept. of Plant Science, McGill Univ., QC, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Canada

OSINKI, G.R.

Depts. of Earth Science/Physics and Astronomy, Univ. of Western Ontario, London, Canada

Description :
The aim of this study is to determine whether or not polygonal thermal-contraction-crack networks actually regularise as they evolve. Spatial point pattern analysis (SPPA), which can quantify overall network geometries based on the randomness or regularity exhibited by the spatial arrangement of polygon-bounding trough intersections, was used at 3 ice-wedge polygon sites in the Canadian High Arctic. SPPA was applied in 2 ways : (i) on the present-day networks observed in the field; and (ii) on historical arrangements derived by distinguishing primary from secondary troughs. In all cases, the polygonal networks had undergone a statistically significant regularisation over the course of their development. Although the method was applied only to terrestrial ice-wedge polygons, such an approach may also be useful for interpreting the evolution of Antarctic sublimation polygons and geometrically similar polygonal networks on Mars.

Type de document :
Article de périodique

Source :
Permafrost and periglacial processes, issn : 1045-6740, 2012, vol. 23, n°. 3, p. 178-186, nombre de pages : 9, Références bibliographiques : 1 p.

Date :
2012

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

Langue :
Anglais