scholarly journals The relative strengths of debris-laden basal ice and clean glacier ice: some evidence from Taylor Glacier, Antarctica

1996 ◽  
Vol 23 ◽  
pp. 270-276 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendy Lawson

An understanding of the mechanical behaviour of the basal zone of an ice mass is fundamental to understanding the overall dynamics of that ice mass. Despite the fact that debris-laden ice is found in the basal zones of many glaciers and ice sheets, its mechanical behaviour is only poorly understood. This paper attempts to expand our knowledge of the mechanical behaviour of debris-laden ice by examining the uniaxial compressive strength of debris-laden basal ice sampled from the snout of the Taylor Glacier, Antarctica. The mechanical behaviour of debris-laden ice (debris content 5–20% by volume) under uniaxial compression, and the relationship between the behaviours of debris-laden basal ice and ‘clean’ glacier ice, is complex and variable. At the relatively warm temperatures at which uniaxial compressive strength tests were conducted in the field, debris-laden ice was generally weaker than clean glacier ice. At these temperatures, between 0° and −5°C, pressure melting was the dominant deformation mechanism in the debris-laden ice and cracking the dominant deformation mechanism in clean ice. At −25°C, however, debris-laden ice reached higher strengths than lite clean glacier ice and cracking was the dominant deformation mechanism in both ice types. The change in relationship between the strengths of debris-laden and clean ice with temperature is inferred to be attributable to the temperature dependence of the rate of pressure melting. These results suggest that the dynamic effects and significance of the presence of a debris-laden ice layer in the basal zone of an ice mass are likely to be highly variable in space and time.

1996 ◽  
Vol 23 ◽  
pp. 270-276 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendy Lawson

An understanding of the mechanical behaviour of the basal zone of an ice mass is fundamental to understanding the overall dynamics of that ice mass. Despite the fact that debris-laden ice is found in the basal zones of many glaciers and ice sheets, its mechanical behaviour is only poorly understood. This paper attempts to expand our knowledge of the mechanical behaviour of debris-laden ice by examining the uniaxial compressive strength of debris-laden basal ice sampled from the snout of the Taylor Glacier, Antarctica.The mechanical behaviour of debris-laden ice (debris content 5–20% by volume) under uniaxial compression, and the relationship between the behaviours of debris-laden basal ice and ‘clean’ glacier ice, is complex and variable. At the relatively warm temperatures at which uniaxial compressive strength tests were conducted in the field, debris-laden ice was generally weaker than clean glacier ice. At these temperatures, between 0° and −5°C, pressure melting was the dominant deformation mechanism in the debris-laden ice and cracking the dominant deformation mechanism in clean ice. At −25°C, however, debris-laden ice reached higher strengths than lite clean glacier ice and cracking was the dominant deformation mechanism in both ice types. The change in relationship between the strengths of debris-laden and clean ice with temperature is inferred to be attributable to the temperature dependence of the rate of pressure melting.These results suggest that the dynamic effects and significance of the presence of a debris-laden ice layer in the basal zone of an ice mass are likely to be highly variable in space and time.


2014 ◽  
Vol 60 (223) ◽  
pp. 989-1006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin C. Pettit ◽  
Erin N. Whorton ◽  
Edwin D. Waddington ◽  
Ronald S. Sletten

AbstractAt Taylor Glacier, a cold-based outlet glacier of the East Antarctic ice sheet, observed surface speeds in the terminus region are 20 times greater than those predicted using Glen’s flow law for cold (–17°C), thin (100 m) ice. Rheological properties of the clean meteoric glacier ice and the underlying deformable debris-rich basal ice can be inferred from surface-velocity and ablation-rate profiles using inverse theory. Here, with limited data, we use a two-layer flowband model to examine two end-member assumptions about the basal-ice properties: (1) uniform softness with spatially variable thickness and (2) uniform thickness with spatially variable softness. We find that the basal ice contributes 85–98% to the observed surface velocity in the terminus region. We also find that the basal-ice layer must be 10–15 m thick and 20–40 times softer than clean Holocene-age glacier ice in order to match the observations. Because significant deformation occurs in the basal ice, our inverse problem is not sensitive to variations in the softness of the meteoric ice. Our results suggest that despite low temperatures, highly deformable basal ice may dominate flow of cold-based glaciers and rheologically distinct layers should be incorporated in models of polar-glacier flow.


2015 ◽  
Vol 828-829 ◽  
pp. 291-297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Gryguc ◽  
Hamid Jahed ◽  
Bruce Williams ◽  
Jonathan McKinley

Monotonic compression testing was conducted on AZ31B-F magnesium alloy in both the as-received and forged conditions. Sigmoidal stress strain behaviour was the key feature in the majority of material conditions and directions corresponding to plastic behaviour where twinning de-twinning is the dominant deformation mechanism. More conventional monotonic hardening (slip deformation mechanism) was exhibited in certain material directions which initially were orthogonal to the extrusion direction in the as-received condition, but once forged are coincident with the direction of forging once forged. It was shown that in the forged condition, there is potential for significant increases in both ultimate tensile strength as well as strain to failure.


1999 ◽  
Vol 28 ◽  
pp. 236-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sean J. Fitzsismon ◽  
Kevin J. McManus ◽  
Reginad D. Lorrain

AbstractThis paper presents new data and interpretations of the structure, strength and behaviour of basal ice and the substrate of Suess Glacier, south Victoria Land, Antarctica, which is a small alpine dry-based glacier that has a basal temperature of—17°C. A tunnel excavated in the glacier revealed a substrate composed of frozen sand and gravel and a basal zone that was 3.8 m thick. From bottom to top, the basal zone was composed of 1.8 m of stratified, complexly deformed layers of ice and debris overlain by a 0.9 m thick layer of frozen sediment and a 0.8 m thick layer of discoloured ice lying immediately beneath clean glacier ice. Direct shear tests performed in the field on 36 samples show that the average peak shear strength of substrate samples was 2.53 MPa, which is almost twice as strong as the average value for basal ice (1.28 MPa) and the glacier ice samples (1.39 MPa). The direct shear tests suggest that the glacier substrate is unlikely to deform at the current temperature. However, observations of the structure and composition of the basal zone suggest that the substrate contains localized weaknesses that may reduce the peak strength sufficiently to permit bed deformation and entrainment. Two observed forms of weakness are ice lenses and layers in the permafrost and lenses of unsaturated permafrost, which may be inherited from the active zone of a former land surface or produced as pore ice sublimes into cavities which have formed at the glacier bed. Interpretation of data from this study suggests that glacier beds well below the freezing point can be deformed and eroded under certain conditions.


2021 ◽  
Vol 83 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J. Heap ◽  
Marie E.S. Violay

AbstractThe microstructure and mineralogy of volcanic rocks is varied and complex, and their mechanical behaviour is similarly varied and complex. This review summarises recent developments in our understanding of the mechanical behaviour and failure modes of volcanic rocks. Compiled data show that, although porosity exerts a first-order influence on the uniaxial compressive strength of volcanic rocks, parameters such as the partitioning of the void space (pores and microcracks), pore and crystal size and shape, and alteration also play a role. The presence of water, strain rate, and temperature can also influence uniaxial compressive strength. We also discuss the merits of micromechanical models in understanding the mechanical behaviour of volcanic rocks (which includes a review of the available fracture toughness data). Compiled data show that the effective pressure required for the onset of hydrostatic inelastic compaction in volcanic rocks decreases as a function of increasing porosity, and represents the pressure required for cataclastic pore collapse. Differences between brittle and ductile mechanical behaviour (stress-strain curves and the evolution of porosity and acoustic emission activity) from triaxial deformation experiments are outlined. Brittle behaviour is typically characterised by shear fracture formation, and an increase in porosity and permeability. Ductile deformation can either be distributed (cataclastic pore collapse) or localised (compaction bands) and is characterised by a decrease in porosity and permeability. The available data show that tuffs deform by delocalised cataclasis and extrusive volcanic rocks develop compaction bands (planes of collapsed pores connected by microcracks). Brittle failure envelopes and compactive yield caps for volcanic rocks are compared, highlighting that porosity exerts a first-order control on the stresses required for the brittle-ductile transition and shear-enhanced compaction. However, these data cannot be explained by porosity alone and other microstructural parameters, such as pore size, must also play a role. Compactive yield caps for tuffs are elliptical, similar to data for sedimentary rocks, but are linear for extrusive volcanic rocks. Linear yield caps are considered to be a result of a high pre-existing microcrack density and/or a heterogeneous distribution of porosity. However, it is still unclear, with the available data, why compaction bands develop in some volcanic rocks but not others, which microstructural attributes influence the stresses required for the brittle-ductile transition and shear-enhanced compaction, and why the compactive yield caps of extrusive volcanic rocks are linear. We also review the Young’s modulus, tensile strength, and frictional properties of volcanic rocks. Finally, we review how laboratory data have and can be used to improve our understanding of volcanic systems and highlight directions for future research. A deep understanding of the mechanical behaviour and failure modes of volcanic rock can help refine and develop tools to routinely monitor the hazards posed by active volcanoes.


Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (8) ◽  
pp. 2303
Author(s):  
Congyu Zhong ◽  
Liwen Cao ◽  
Jishi Geng ◽  
Zhihao Jiang ◽  
Shuai Zhang

Because of its weak cementation and abundant pores and cracks, it is difficult to obtain suitable samples of tectonic coal to test its mechanical properties. Therefore, the research and development of coalbed methane drilling and mining technology are restricted. In this study, tectonic coal samples are remodeled with different particle sizes to test the mechanical parameters and loading resistivity. The research results show that the particle size and gradation of tectonic coal significantly impact its uniaxial compressive strength and elastic modulus and affect changes in resistivity. As the converted particle size increases, the uniaxial compressive strength and elastic modulus decrease first and then tend to remain unchanged. The strength of the single-particle gradation coal sample decreases from 0.867 to 0.433 MPa and the elastic modulus decreases from 59.28 to 41.63 MPa with increasing particle size. The change in resistivity of the coal sample increases with increasing particle size, and the degree of resistivity variation decreases during the coal sample failure stage. In composite-particle gradation, the proportion of fine particles in the tectonic coal sample increases from 33% to 80%. Its strength and elastic modulus increase from 0.996 to 1.31 MPa and 83.96 to 125.4 MPa, respectively, and the resistivity change degree decreases. The proportion of medium particles or coarse particles increases, and the sample strength, elastic modulus, and resistivity changes all decrease.


Minerals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 813
Author(s):  
Veljko Rupar ◽  
Vladimir Čebašek ◽  
Vladimir Milisavljević ◽  
Dejan Stevanović ◽  
Nikola Živanović

This paper presents a methodology for determining the uniaxial and triaxial compressive strength of heterogeneous material composed of dacite (D) and altered dacite (AD). A zone of gradual transition from altered dacite to dacite was observed in the rock mass. The mechanical properties of the rock material in that zone were determined by laboratory tests of composite samples that consisted of rock material discs. However, the functional dependence on the strength parameter alteration of the rock material (UCS, intact UCS of the rock material, and mi) with an increase in the participation of “weaker” rock material was determined based on the test results of uniaxial and triaxial compressive strength. The participation of altered dacite directly affects the mode and mechanism of failure during testing. Uniaxial compressive strength (σciUCS) and intact uniaxial compressive strength (σciTX) decrease exponentially with increased AD volumetric participation. The critical ratio at which the uniaxial compressive strength of the composite sample equals the strength of the uniform AD sample was at a percentage of 30% AD. Comparison of the obtained exponential equation with practical suggestions shows a good correspondence. The suggested methodology for determining heterogeneous rock mass strength parameters allows us to determine the influence of rock material heterogeneity on the values σciUCS, σciTX, and constant mi. Obtained σciTX and constant mi dependences define more reliable rock material strength parameter values, which can be used, along with rock mass classification systems, as a basis for assessing rock mass parameters. Therefore, it is possible to predict the strength parameters of the heterogeneous rock mass at the transition of hard (D) and weak rock (AD) based on all calculated strength parameters for different participation of AD.


2004 ◽  
Vol 39 ◽  
pp. 79-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alun Hubbard ◽  
Wendy Lawson ◽  
Brian Anderson ◽  
Bryn Hubbard ◽  
Heinz Blatter

AbstractIce-penetrating radar and modelling data are presented suggesting the presence of a zone of temperate ice, water ponding or saturated sediment beneath the tongue of Taylor Glacier, Dry Valleys, Antarctica. The proposed subglacial zone lies 3–6 km up-glacier of the terminus and is 400– 1000m across. The zone coincides with an extensive topographic overdeepening to 80m below sea level. High values of residual bed reflective power across this zone compared to other regions and the margins of the glacier require a high dielectric contrast between the ice and the bed and are strongly indicative of the presence of basal water or saturated sediment. Analysis of the hydraulic equipotential surface also indicates strong convergence into this zone of subglacial water flow paths. However, thermodynamic modelling reveals that basal temperatures in this region could not exceed –7˚C relative to the pressure-melting point. Such a result is at odds with the radar observations unless the subglacial water is a hypersaline brine.


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