Densification of layered firn in the ice sheet at Dome Fuji, Antarctica

• DOI: 10.1017/jog.2016.16
• Publication Date: 2016-03-21T05:15:56Z
• Authors: SHUJI FUJITA; KUMIKO GOTO-AZUMA; MOTOHIRO HIRABAYASHI; AKIRA HORI; YOSHINORI IIZUKA; YUKO MOTIZUKI; HIDEAKI MOTOYAMA; KAZUYA TAKAHASHI
• Keywords: Firn; Dome (geology); Ice core

ABSTRACT In order to better understand the densification of polar firn, firn cores from three sites within ~10 km Dome Fuji, Antarctica, were investigated using surrogates density: dielectric permittivities ε v and h at microwave frequencies with electrical fields in vertical horizontal planes respectively. Dielectric anisotropy Δ (= − ) was then examined as a surrogate anisotropic geometry firn. We find that layered is explained result complex effects two phenomena commonly occur sites. Basically, layers initially smaller density geometrical deform preferentially throughout process due textural effects. Second, having higher concentration Cl ions during limited period near surface depths until smoothing out by diffusion. hypothesize dissociated sea salts soften modulation dislocation movement. Moreover, differs markedly across terms strength anisotropy, mean rate fluctuation. these differences are caused resulting depositional conditions various spatial scales.