Mean winter air temperatures have risen by 2.5˚C over the last 50 years in the northeastern U.S., reducing mean annual winter snowpack depth by 26 cm and the duration of winter snow cover by four days per decade. Because snow cover insulates soil from below-freezing air temperatures, continued declines in snowpack depth are projected to be accompanied by colder winter soil temperatures and more frequent soil freeze-thaw events. Soil bacteria and fungi will play a significant role in the forest ecosystem response to snowpack loss because they are the primary agents that carry out soil organic matter decomposition and soil nutrient cycling. Additionally, the effect of winter snowpack decline on soil bacterial and fungal communities may act indirectly via winter climate change effects on plant roots. The objectives of my dissertation research were to first determine the effect that reductions in winter snow cover has on microbial exoenzyme activity, microbial respiration, net nitrogen (N) mineralization, and net nitrification rates in two mixed-hardwood forests (Harvard Forest, MA and Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, NH). Additionally, I sought to determine the relative role that abiotic factors (i.e., winter snow cover or soil frost) versus biotic factors (i.e., altered root-microbe interactions) contribute to overall changes in soil biogeochemical processes as winter snow cover declines. I found that winter snow depth and duration are related positively to microbial exoenzyme activity and microbial respiration following snowmelt in spring, but this relationship is transient and attenuates into the growing season. By contrast, soil freeze-thaw events during winter result in persistent declines in microbial oxidative enzyme activity that are not compensated for by warming soils during the growing season. Together, these results suggest that loss of winter snow cover will result in lower rates of nutrient cycling in northeastern U.S. hardwood forests. Tree roots interact with winter snow depth to affect net mineralization and nitrification rates, as well as bacterial and fungal community composition. Thus, winter climate change portends a reorganization of root-microbe interactions with important consequences for soil biogeochemical cycling in mixed hardwood forests of the northeastern U.S.

No verão de 2004 – 2005 foi realizada uma travessia do manto de gelo da Antártica Ocidental organizada pelo governo chileno em parceria com pesquisadores brasileiros como parte do ITASE (International Trans-Antarctic Scientific Expedition). A travessia partiu da base chilena Tenente Parodi em Patriot Hills (80°18'S; 81°22'W, altitude 720 m) e seguiu até o Polo Sul geográfico (90°S, altitude 2.840 m), voltando pelo mesmo caminho. Ao longo da travessia foram coletadas amostras de neve superficial (< 0,3 m de profundidade) a cada 10 km, a cada 220 km foi obtida a temperatura média anual local (medida a uma profundidade entre 10 e 15 m). As amostras foram analisadas utilizando espectrometria de massa com fonte de gás (GSMS - Gas Source Mass Spectrometry), no Climate Change Institute, Universidade do Maine, Orono, EUA. As razões isotópicas de oxigênio foram medidas com um dispositivo Micromass Multiprep acoplado a um espectrômetro de massa com precisão de 0,05‰. Os dados são apresentados em delta (δ), notação relativa ao padrão das águas oceânicas (VSMOW – Vienna Standard Mean Ocean Water). Os resultados estão de acordo com observações pretéritas, apresentando redução dos valores com a distância da costa (- 0,0323‰/ km) com exceção de uma área anômala no transecto, no qual em menos de 20 quilômetros (entre as latitudes 87°30' e 86°44'S) há um aumento da razão isotópica de -45,0‰ para -34,5‰, sendo que aproximadamente 100 quilômetros adiante o 18O retorna para a tendência de decréscimo inicial da razão isotópica. Trajetórias das parcelas de ar chegadas em 6 pontos escolhidos ao longo da travessia foram calculadas usando o modelo HYSPLIT para derivar informações sobre a anomalia encontrada, atribuída inicialmente ao efeito orográfico das montanhas transantárticas. Posteriormente se constatou que a anomalia poderia ser causada pela sublimação decorrente do vento ou pela ablação parcial do pacote de neve anual, sendo assim um efeito pós-deposicional. / In the summer of 2004 – 2005, the Chilean government along with Brazilian researchers carried out a traverse in the Antarctic ice sheet as part of the ITASE (International Trans- Antarctic Scientific Expedition) program. The traverse, a return trip to the Geographic South Pole (90°S, altitude 2.840 m), started at Tenente Parodi Chilean station at Patriot Hills (80°18'S; 81°22'W, altitude 720 m). Along the route, we collected snow samples at every 10 km, 0.3 m deep. The average local annual temperature was determined at 6 points spaced approximately 220 km apart, at a depth between 10 and 15 m. Samples were analyzed by mass spectrometry with gas source (GSMS - Gas Source Mass Spectrometry) at the Climate Change Institute, University of Maine, Orono, USA. A Micromass Multiprep device coupled to the spectrometer with 0.05‰ precision measured the isotopic ratio. Data are presented in delta (δ), relative to SMOW – Vienna Standard Mean Ocean Water. Results agree with previous works, which show an isotope ratio decrease with distance from the coast (- 0,0323‰/ km), except for an anomalous area, where in less than 20 km (from 87°30' S and 86°44'S) the isotopic ratio increases rapidly from -45 to -34.5‰, and then, after about 100 km, goes back to the general decreasing trend. HYSPLIT air trajectory models were run to examine if an orographic effect caused by the Transantarctic Mountains could be the cause of the anomalous area. After further examination, this anomaly is attributed to postdepositional processes, such as wind-driven sublimation.

No verão de 2004 – 2005 foi realizada uma travessia do manto de gelo da Antártica Ocidental organizada pelo governo chileno em parceria com pesquisadores brasileiros como parte do ITASE (International Trans-Antarctic Scientific Expedition). A travessia partiu da base chilena Tenente Parodi em Patriot Hills (80°18'S; 81°22'W, altitude 720 m) e seguiu até o Polo Sul geográfico (90°S, altitude 2.840 m), voltando pelo mesmo caminho. Ao longo da travessia foram coletadas amostras de neve superficial (< 0,3 m de profundidade) a cada 10 km, a cada 220 km foi obtida a temperatura média anual local (medida a uma profundidade entre 10 e 15 m). As amostras foram analisadas utilizando espectrometria de massa com fonte de gás (GSMS - Gas Source Mass Spectrometry), no Climate Change Institute, Universidade do Maine, Orono, EUA. As razões isotópicas de oxigênio foram medidas com um dispositivo Micromass Multiprep acoplado a um espectrômetro de massa com precisão de 0,05‰. Os dados são apresentados em delta (δ), notação relativa ao padrão das águas oceânicas (VSMOW – Vienna Standard Mean Ocean Water). Os resultados estão de acordo com observações pretéritas, apresentando redução dos valores com a distância da costa (- 0,0323‰/ km) com exceção de uma área anômala no transecto, no qual em menos de 20 quilômetros (entre as latitudes 87°30' e 86°44'S) há um aumento da razão isotópica de -45,0‰ para -34,5‰, sendo que aproximadamente 100 quilômetros adiante o 18O retorna para a tendência de decréscimo inicial da razão isotópica. Trajetórias das parcelas de ar chegadas em 6 pontos escolhidos ao longo da travessia foram calculadas usando o modelo HYSPLIT para derivar informações sobre a anomalia encontrada, atribuída inicialmente ao efeito orográfico das montanhas transantárticas. Posteriormente se constatou que a anomalia poderia ser causada pela sublimação decorrente do vento ou pela ablação parcial do pacote de neve anual, sendo assim um efeito pós-deposicional. / In the summer of 2004 – 2005, the Chilean government along with Brazilian researchers carried out a traverse in the Antarctic ice sheet as part of the ITASE (International Trans- Antarctic Scientific Expedition) program. The traverse, a return trip to the Geographic South Pole (90°S, altitude 2.840 m), started at Tenente Parodi Chilean station at Patriot Hills (80°18'S; 81°22'W, altitude 720 m). Along the route, we collected snow samples at every 10 km, 0.3 m deep. The average local annual temperature was determined at 6 points spaced approximately 220 km apart, at a depth between 10 and 15 m. Samples were analyzed by mass spectrometry with gas source (GSMS - Gas Source Mass Spectrometry) at the Climate Change Institute, University of Maine, Orono, USA. A Micromass Multiprep device coupled to the spectrometer with 0.05‰ precision measured the isotopic ratio. Data are presented in delta (δ), relative to SMOW – Vienna Standard Mean Ocean Water. Results agree with previous works, which show an isotope ratio decrease with distance from the coast (- 0,0323‰/ km), except for an anomalous area, where in less than 20 km (from 87°30' S and 86°44'S) the isotopic ratio increases rapidly from -45 to -34.5‰, and then, after about 100 km, goes back to the general decreasing trend. HYSPLIT air trajectory models were run to examine if an orographic effect caused by the Transantarctic Mountains could be the cause of the anomalous area. After further examination, this anomaly is attributed to postdepositional processes, such as wind-driven sublimation.

No description available.

The factors affecting the distribution of surge-type glaciers and the causes of the surge mechanism are not fully understood. Statistical analyses of glaciers in Svalbard have been used to identify characteristics which are related to surging. Field experiments were undertaken on Bjuvbreen, a small surge-type glacier in central Spitsbergen, to determine the dynamics and hydrology of the glacier during its quiescent phase. The probability that a glacier in the Svalbard sample population was surge-type was 36·4%. The probability varied spatially within the sample area. Glaciers resting on sedimentary tocks had a greater probability of being surge-type compared to those overlying igneous or metamorphic rocks. The probability of surging was also increased in glaciers with a two-layered thermal structure as indicated by radio echo sounding. Geometrical characteristics such as slope, orientation, curvature and the presence of tributaries were not related to surge-type behaviour, although long glaciers had a greater chance of being surge-type. Certain aspects of Kamb's and Fowler's theories of surging were not supported by the statistical analysis. Despite the associations between surging and certain characteristics, no single factor fully explained the observed geographical distribution of surge-type glaciers in Svalbard. Bjuvbreen is a small surge-type in its quiescent phase. Changes in the geometry of the glacier are occurring relatively slowly. This slow rate of change is a function the low accumulation rates on Svalbard glaciers. On the basis of a simple model, the next surge of Bjuvbreen is predicted to occur between .2022- 2055, indicating a comparatively long quiescent period of -90-130 years. Bjuvbreen is comprised of two dynamically distinct zones which are separated by a large bulge. The lower portion of the glacier is inactive and stagnating, in contrast to the active ice up.:.glacier from the bulge. The observed velocity of the active region was compared with various hydrological characteristics of the glacier. The inferred behaviour of water within the glacier seems to have some, although limited, influence on the ice motion. A spatially restricted drainage system is the probable reason for this limited influence of hydrology on glacier velocity.

No description available.

No description available.

No verão de 2004 – 2005 foi realizada uma travessia do manto de gelo da Antártica Ocidental organizada pelo governo chileno em parceria com pesquisadores brasileiros como parte do ITASE (International Trans-Antarctic Scientific Expedition). A travessia partiu da base chilena Tenente Parodi em Patriot Hills (80°18'S; 81°22'W, altitude 720 m) e seguiu até o Polo Sul geográfico (90°S, altitude 2.840 m), voltando pelo mesmo caminho. Ao longo da travessia foram coletadas amostras de neve superficial (< 0,3 m de profundidade) a cada 10 km, a cada 220 km foi obtida a temperatura média anual local (medida a uma profundidade entre 10 e 15 m). As amostras foram analisadas utilizando espectrometria de massa com fonte de gás (GSMS - Gas Source Mass Spectrometry), no Climate Change Institute, Universidade do Maine, Orono, EUA. As razões isotópicas de oxigênio foram medidas com um dispositivo Micromass Multiprep acoplado a um espectrômetro de massa com precisão de 0,05‰. Os dados são apresentados em delta (δ), notação relativa ao padrão das águas oceânicas (VSMOW – Vienna Standard Mean Ocean Water). Os resultados estão de acordo com observações pretéritas, apresentando redução dos valores com a distância da costa (- 0,0323‰/ km) com exceção de uma área anômala no transecto, no qual em menos de 20 quilômetros (entre as latitudes 87°30' e 86°44'S) há um aumento da razão isotópica de -45,0‰ para -34,5‰, sendo que aproximadamente 100 quilômetros adiante o 18O retorna para a tendência de decréscimo inicial da razão isotópica. Trajetórias das parcelas de ar chegadas em 6 pontos escolhidos ao longo da travessia foram calculadas usando o modelo HYSPLIT para derivar informações sobre a anomalia encontrada, atribuída inicialmente ao efeito orográfico das montanhas transantárticas. Posteriormente se constatou que a anomalia poderia ser causada pela sublimação decorrente do vento ou pela ablação parcial do pacote de neve anual, sendo assim um efeito pós-deposicional. / In the summer of 2004 – 2005, the Chilean government along with Brazilian researchers carried out a traverse in the Antarctic ice sheet as part of the ITASE (International Trans- Antarctic Scientific Expedition) program. The traverse, a return trip to the Geographic South Pole (90°S, altitude 2.840 m), started at Tenente Parodi Chilean station at Patriot Hills (80°18'S; 81°22'W, altitude 720 m). Along the route, we collected snow samples at every 10 km, 0.3 m deep. The average local annual temperature was determined at 6 points spaced approximately 220 km apart, at a depth between 10 and 15 m. Samples were analyzed by mass spectrometry with gas source (GSMS - Gas Source Mass Spectrometry) at the Climate Change Institute, University of Maine, Orono, USA. A Micromass Multiprep device coupled to the spectrometer with 0.05‰ precision measured the isotopic ratio. Data are presented in delta (δ), relative to SMOW – Vienna Standard Mean Ocean Water. Results agree with previous works, which show an isotope ratio decrease with distance from the coast (- 0,0323‰/ km), except for an anomalous area, where in less than 20 km (from 87°30' S and 86°44'S) the isotopic ratio increases rapidly from -45 to -34.5‰, and then, after about 100 km, goes back to the general decreasing trend. HYSPLIT air trajectory models were run to examine if an orographic effect caused by the Transantarctic Mountains could be the cause of the anomalous area. After further examination, this anomaly is attributed to postdepositional processes, such as wind-driven sublimation.

A generalized engineering classification method for characterizing Pleistocene glacial materials on the basis of their glaciological mode of origin is presented in this thesis. In formulating the classification an interdisciplinary approach has been adopted. The geotechnical aspects have been based largely on data from extensive site investigations undertaken at the Brenig dam site in North Wales, supplemented where necessary by data obtained from the glaciological and geotechnical literature. Particular attention has been paid to the macrofabric of the deposits in view of the controlling influence that discontinuities exert on engineering behaviour. The glaciological appraisal of the materials has also relied heavily on detailed evaluation of the engineering behaviour and textural properties of the Brenig deposits. However, in order to extend the applicability of the proposed classification to other locations, the site-specific data has been correlated with results from current glaciological research on modern arctic and temperate glaciers. As a prerequisite for such an assessment, a reconstruction of the glacial history of the Brenig site has been attempted. The similar mineralogy of the various glacial deposits and the availability of extensive geotechnical data on the complete suite of materials has made the, site ideal for this purpose. In presenting the results of the studies, the thesis has been divided into four sections. By way of background, in Part I the methodology and scope of the investigations conducted at Brenig are presented. In Part II a comparison is made between the characteristics of Recent glacial deposits and the Pleistocene materials at Brenig. The stratigraphy and glacial chronology of the site are developed in Part III, while in Part IV the geotechnical evaluation of the site is presented and set within the glaciological framework as a basis for the proposed classification.

The spatial variability of snow cover characteristics (depth, density, and snow water equivalent [SWE]) has paramount importance for the management of water resources in mountain environments. Passive microwave (PM) inference of SWE from space-borne instrumentation is increasingly used but the reliability of this technique remains limited in mountainous areas. Complex topography and the transition between forest and alpine tundra vegetation zones create large spatial heterogeneities in the snowpack in such environments. A better understanding of the factors that control these heterogeneities is therefore needed to improve and extend the use of PM-derived SWE estimation to mountain settings. In this study, two seasonally snow-covered sub-Arctic mountain catchments at comparable latitudes, one in Hemavan, northern Sweden and the other in Wolf Creek, Yukon, Canada, were investigated to evaluate the relative influence of climate vs. landscape factors on the variability of snow cover characteristics. Field measurements of snowpack stratigraphy and SWE were performed at the approximate time of late winter snow depth maximum using various in situ methodologies. Regression analysis was then employed to identify possible relationships between snow depth, density and SWE, and landscape properties (altitude, slope angle and aspect) at both sites, both within and between different vegetation zones. Snow depth, density and SWE were found to be greatest in the alpine tundra zone of both catchments, and were largest in Hemavan, probably on account of the relatively warmer and wetter winter climate of northern Sweden compared to that of the Yukon. Elevation was the only quantifiable landscape property found to show a positive and significant relationship with SWE in both catchments. Notable differences in the spatial variability of snowpack properties were also found between the two study sites. The local variability of snow depth was greatest in the forest-alpine transition zone at Hemavan, but greatest in the alpine zone at Wolf Creek. Differences in the vegetation cover type between the two catchments (coniferous vs. deciduous in the forest zone) is suspected to exert an important influence on spatial patterns of snow depth, density and SWE, likely because of differences in the efficiency of snow interception. Further investigations of how different vegetation characteristics (e.g. leaf area index) influence snowpack properties over the course of the winter are recommended in order to improve and extend the use of PM-based SWE retrievals in high-latitude mountain environments.