Topoclimatic Zones and Ice Dynamics in the Caves of the Northern Yukon, Canada

• Published in: ARCTIC
• Main Authors: Lauriol, B., Carrier, L., Thibaudeau, P.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: The Arctic Institute of North America 1988
• Subjects: Accumulation; Atmospheric circulation; Caves; Crystals; Formation; Ice; Meteorology; Microclimatology; Sublimation; Yukon; Northern; Canada; Arctic; Porcupine River
• Online Access: https://journalhosting.ucalgary.ca/index.php/arctic/article/view/64774

In the upper basin of the Porcupine River, the subhorizontal caves of Bear Cave and Tsi-it-toh-Choh mountains are characterized by a very rich ice zone. The authors propose a model for the build-up of ice based on the formation of hexagonal ice sublimation crystals on the cold walls of underground passages. In this model, water freezes and thaws many times, causing a series of different forms from the ceiling to the floor of the caves. This process will sometimes provoke total obstruction of a passage due to particular topoclimatic conditions or a change of climate, notably an increase in atmospheric humidity. During the summer the passage where the ice is located is preceded by a warm and humid passage and is followed by a cold and extremely dry passage, in which are preserved fragments of wood, animal faeces and remains of small mammals.Key words: Yukon, Porcupine River, Bear Cave and Tsi-it-toh-Choh mountains, caves, climate, cave ice Mots clés: Yukon Rivière Porcupine, massifs de Bear Cave et de Tsi-it-toh-Choh, cavernes, climat, glaces de cavernes