SNOW DRIFT ON NATURAL, DEPRESSED, AND ELEVATED SURFACES NEAR MCMURDO, ANTARCTICA.

• Main Authors: Stehle,N. S., Sherwood,G. E.
• Other Authors: NAVAL CIVIL ENGINEERING LAB PORT HUENEME CALIF
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 1965
• Subjects: (*SNOW; DRIFT); (*SITE SELECTION; POLAR REGIONS); WIND; INHIBITION; TERRAIN; BUILDINGS; MAINTENANCE; McMurdo Station; Ross Ice Shelf; Antarc*; Antarctica; Ice Shelf
• Online Access: http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/AD0622572; http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=AD0622572

Drifting snow in polar areas results in problems of logistics and maintenance. To obtain knowledge of snow drift and accumulation on the Ross Ice Shelf near McMurdo Station, Antarctica, measurements of drift were made on natural, depressed, and elevated surfaces, and in camp and storage areas on these surfaces. From these measurements, it was concluded that depressed surfaces quickly become filled with snow to the natural-surface level, and should be avoided in locations of annual accumulation. Elevated surfaces accumulate minimal drift when used for roads, runways, or storage areas, and should be investigated for use as future camp locations. (Author)