Computer Science
Scientific paper
Aug 2000
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2000mpse.conf...72h&link_type=abstract
International Conference on Mars Polar Science and Exploration, p. 72
Computer Science
Ice, Permafrost, Glaciers, Snow, Analogs, Classifications, Mars Surface, Ashes, Lava, Volcanology, Iceland, Deposits
Scientific paper
Ground ice preservation in nonglaciated regions on Earth is normally terminated annually outside permafrost terrains. In Iceland old ice has been found under at least three different conditions that may serve as potential Martian analogs or lead the way where to look for ground ice on Mars. Three reconnaissance cases of ancient ground ice in Iceland are briefly reported: (1) Basaltic Scoria/Ice (ice residence: >64 yr). The main event of the AD 1875 volcanic eruption in Askja was first observed on January 3rd that year. The spattering lava material agglutinated to form a one to two meter thick layer on snow that had fallen earlier that winter. In 1939 a roughly two meter thick compact snow was photographed under the solidified lava material from 1875. No intervening material is recorded between the ice and the overlying chilled lava material. Collapse structures where the ice has melted are commonly seen in the AD 1875 basalt lava flow. (2) Moraine/Ice (ice residence: >100 yr?). In the Grimsvotn joekulhlaup of October and November 1996 the meltwater erosion exposed buried ice banking up against the Sandgigur terminal moraines. The age of the Sandgigur is dated at about 2200 year BP. The moraine material on top of the ice was approximately four meters thick and the exposed ice wall was also about four meters high. The contact between ice and moraine was made up of fine grained material. The ice differs from normal glacier ice in being a mixture of sand and ice. A few large ice blocks of this kind were found on the sandur plain below in between the large ice blocks that broke off the Skeidardrjokull glacier suggesting a somewhat large source than observed the in situ exposure. While the age of this ice is unconfirmed it was found in situ on the upward side of the Sandgigur terminal moraine, that are located five kilometers south of the present ice margin. (3) Ash deposit/Ice (ice residence: >600 yr?). A less well documented case is that of the rhyolite ash deposit from the Oraefajoekull 1362 AD volcanic eruption. In two places on the south side of Oraefajoekull volcano, i.e. above Hvanndalur in Svinafell at an elevation of approximately 800-1000 m, and on Bleikafjall at approximately 800-900 m, ice has been seen under the 1362 AD ash deposit. The primary nature of the ash deposit in these locations remains to be confirmed. High vertical heatflow and atmospheric temperature/humidity conditions in Iceland appear to have but minor impact on ground ice stability. Failure of the bedrock 'roof' causing rapid interaction with ground water and/or slow sublimation of the lower ice layer surface, are suggested as important factors affecting stability of ground ice in Iceland.
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