Aeolian processes and landforms in the sub-Antarctic: preliminary observations from Marion Island
Sub-Antarctic Marion Island has a hyperoceanic climate, with cold and wet conditions and consistently strong wind velocities throughout the year. Recent observations recognized the increasing role of aeolian processes as a geomorphic agent, and this paper presents the first data for transport by aeo...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Norwegian Polar Institute
2015-11-01
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| Series: | Polar Research |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.polarresearch.net/index.php/polar/article/view/26365/pdf_56 |
| _version_ | 1819155965411328000 |
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| author | David W. Hedding Werner Nel Ryan L. Anderson |
| author_facet | David W. Hedding Werner Nel Ryan L. Anderson |
| author_sort | David W. Hedding |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Sub-Antarctic Marion Island has a hyperoceanic climate, with cold and wet conditions and consistently strong wind velocities throughout the year. Recent observations recognized the increasing role of aeolian processes as a geomorphic agent, and this paper presents the first data for transport by aeolian processes on a sub-Antarctic island. Data were collected through an intensive and high-resolution measurement campaign at three study sites using Big Spring Number Eight sediment traps and surface sediment samplers in conjunction with an array of climatic and soil logger sensors. Observed aeolian landforms are megaripples, and the data suggest that aeolian processes are also modifying solifluction landforms. The sediment traps and sediment samplers collected wind-blown scoria at all three study sites, and the annual (horizontal) aeolian sediment flux extrapolated from this preliminary data is estimated at 0.36–3.85 kg cm−2 y−1. Importantly, plant material of various species was trapped during the study that suggests the efficiency of wind for the dispersal of plants in this sub-Antarctic environment may be underestimated. This paper advocates long-term monitoring of aeolian processes and that the link between aeolian processes and synoptic climate must be established. Furthermore, wind as a means to disperse genetic material on Marion Island should be investigated. |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-22T15:45:21Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-6e5c3ccba6c64d65a1fbbbf8b5254dde |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1751-8369 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-22T15:45:21Z |
| publishDate | 2015-11-01 |
| publisher | Norwegian Polar Institute |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Polar Research |
| spelling | doaj.art-6e5c3ccba6c64d65a1fbbbf8b5254dde2022-12-21T18:21:02ZengNorwegian Polar InstitutePolar Research1751-83692015-11-013401810.3402/polar.v34.2636526365Aeolian processes and landforms in the sub-Antarctic: preliminary observations from Marion IslandDavid W. Hedding0Werner Nel1Ryan L. Anderson2 Department of Geography, University of South Africa (Science Campus), Private Bag X6, Florida 1710, South Africa Department of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa Department of Geography, University of South Africa (Science Campus), Private Bag X6, Florida 1710, South AfricaSub-Antarctic Marion Island has a hyperoceanic climate, with cold and wet conditions and consistently strong wind velocities throughout the year. Recent observations recognized the increasing role of aeolian processes as a geomorphic agent, and this paper presents the first data for transport by aeolian processes on a sub-Antarctic island. Data were collected through an intensive and high-resolution measurement campaign at three study sites using Big Spring Number Eight sediment traps and surface sediment samplers in conjunction with an array of climatic and soil logger sensors. Observed aeolian landforms are megaripples, and the data suggest that aeolian processes are also modifying solifluction landforms. The sediment traps and sediment samplers collected wind-blown scoria at all three study sites, and the annual (horizontal) aeolian sediment flux extrapolated from this preliminary data is estimated at 0.36–3.85 kg cm−2 y−1. Importantly, plant material of various species was trapped during the study that suggests the efficiency of wind for the dispersal of plants in this sub-Antarctic environment may be underestimated. This paper advocates long-term monitoring of aeolian processes and that the link between aeolian processes and synoptic climate must be established. Furthermore, wind as a means to disperse genetic material on Marion Island should be investigated.http://www.polarresearch.net/index.php/polar/article/view/26365/pdf_56Marion Islandclimate changewinderosiondispersal |
| spellingShingle | David W. Hedding Werner Nel Ryan L. Anderson Aeolian processes and landforms in the sub-Antarctic: preliminary observations from Marion Island Polar Research Marion Island climate change wind erosion dispersal |
| title | Aeolian processes and landforms in the sub-Antarctic: preliminary observations from Marion Island |
| title_full | Aeolian processes and landforms in the sub-Antarctic: preliminary observations from Marion Island |
| title_fullStr | Aeolian processes and landforms in the sub-Antarctic: preliminary observations from Marion Island |
| title_full_unstemmed | Aeolian processes and landforms in the sub-Antarctic: preliminary observations from Marion Island |
| title_short | Aeolian processes and landforms in the sub-Antarctic: preliminary observations from Marion Island |
| title_sort | aeolian processes and landforms in the sub antarctic preliminary observations from marion island |
| topic | Marion Island climate change wind erosion dispersal |
| url | http://www.polarresearch.net/index.php/polar/article/view/26365/pdf_56 |
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