Freeze-Thaw Frequencies and Mechanical Weathering in Canada

• Published in: ARCTIC
• Main Author: Fraser, J. Keith
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: The Arctic Institute of North America 1959
• Subjects: Attawapiskat River region; Ontario; Ellesmere Island; Canada; Eureka; Attawapiskat; Attawapiskat River; Regina; Arctic
• Online Access: https://journalhosting.ucalgary.ca/index.php/arctic/article/view/66762

Investigates freeze-thaw cycles (a rise to 34 F following a drop to 28 F) as a cause of rock disintegration by comparing their frequencies in northern and southern Canada. Cycles counted at 42 weather stations showed an increase from north to south: nine at Eureka on Ellesmere Island in 1949 as compared with 74 at Regina, Saskatchewan. Correlation between the freeze-thaw frequencies and diurnal temperature range is indicated; average at Eureka is 12 F at Regina 24 F. The greater evidence of rock disintegration in northern Canada therefore does not result from lower temperatures or freeze-thaw frequency. Other explanations are offered.