Aeolian processes and landforms in the sub-Antarctic: preliminary observations from Marion Island

Polar research

Werner Nel¹  Ryan L. Anderson²  David W. Hedding³ 

[1] Department of Geography and Environmental ScienceUniversity of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa;Department of GeographyUniversity of South Africa (Science Campus), Private Bag X6, Florida 1710, South Africa;Department of GeographyUniversity of South Africa (Science Campus), Private Bag X6, Florida 1710, South AfricaCorrespondence

关键词: Marion Island;    climate change;    wind;    erosion;    dispersal;   

DOI  :  10.3402/polar.v34.26365

学科分类：自然科学（综合）

来源: Co-Action Publishing

【 摘 要 】

Sub-Antarctic Marion Island has a hyperoceanic climate, with cold and wet conditions and consistently strong wind velocities throughout the year. Recent observations recognized the increasing role of aeolian processes as a geomorphic agent, and this paper presents the first data for transport by aeolian processes on a sub-Antarctic island. Data were collected through an intensive and high-resolution measurement campaign at three study sites using Big Spring Number Eight sediment traps and surface sediment samplers in conjunction with an array of climatic and soil logger sensors. Observed aeolian landforms are megaripples, and the data suggest that aeolian processes are also modifying solifluction landforms. The sediment traps and sediment samplers collected wind-blown scoria at all three study sites, and the annual (horizontal) aeolian sediment flux extrapolated from this preliminary data is estimated at 0.36–3.85 kg cm−2 y−1. Importantly, plant material of various species was trapped during the study tha...

【 授权许可】

CC BY-NC