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

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
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

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: