Year: 1980
Type: article
Abstract: An empirical model of firn densification from the surface to the zone of pore close-off has been constructed. Fundamental rate equations have been derived for the first two stages of densification. In the first stage, for densities less than 0.55 Mg m−3, the densification rate is proportional to the mean annual accumulation times the term (ρi−ρ), whereρis the density of the snow andρiis the density of pure ice. The densification rate in the second stage, where 0.55 Mg m−3< ρ < 0.8 Mg m−3, is proportional to the square root of the accumulation rate and to (ρi−ρ). Depth–density and depth–age calculations from this model are compared with observation. Model accumulation rates are within about 20% of values obtained by other techniques. It is suggested that depth intervals of constant density in some Antarctic cores may represent a synchronous event in the 1880 ’s when ten times the normal accumulation fell within a year or two.
Source: Journal of Glaciology
Authors: Michael M. Herron, Chester C. Langway
Institution: University at Buffalo, State University of New York
Language: English
Subfield: Atmospheric Science
Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W3803770