ADVANCES IN POLAR SCIENCE ›› 1991, Vol. 2 ›› Issue (2-English): 24-37.

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CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ACTIVE LAYERS ON FILDES PENINSULA OF KING GEORGE ISLAND, ANTARCTICA

Zhu Cheng1, Cui Zhijiu2 and Xiong Hei-gang3   

  1. 1Department of Geography, East China Normal University 2Department of Geography, Peking University 3Department of Geography, Xinjiang University
  • Online:1941-06-30 Published:1941-06-30
  • Contact: Zhu Cheng

Abstract:

From the data of the pitting, geoelectrical prospecting, temperature measurement, salt content analysis and detection by layering frost-heaving instruments, the authors discuss firstly the structural features of sediments in the active layers in this region, and proves the presence of the bowl-shaped frost table in the stone-circles area, and then analyse the regulatities of temperature distribution in the active layer, effect of salt content on electric resistivity, thaw-settlement and frost-heaving, and their control on periglacial land-form development. It suggests that the five layers should exist in the subsurface structure , namely, active layer, frost sand and gravel layer, frost volcanic rock permeated by sea water, frost volcanic rock unperme-ated by sea water, and unfrost ancient continental basement. Finally, the permafrost table and its vertical gradient are deduced.

Key words: Active layer, Permafrost table, Bowl-shaped frost table, Salt content, Geoelectrical Prospecting