Drill Hole Measurements of Sub-Ice Platelet Layer Physical Characteristics, McMurdo Sound, 2022

This metadata record represents magnaprobe measurements of the physical environment of the sub-ice platelet layer. These data assess the fine-scale spatial variability of the physical characteristics of the sub-ice platelet layer (SIPL) including ice thickness, structure, and ice:water ratio.

Snow-depth profiles were captured with a magnaprobe and link with the research objectives of ASP Project 4, Objective 4, specifically quantify the spatial variability of key physical parameters influencing the distribution and structure of sub-ice platelet layers, and their role as a habitat, in South-Western McMurdo Sound at a variety of scales.

Snow depth has been shown by previous research to impact the incorporation of the sub-ice platelet layer into the consolidated sea ice, which therefore impacts on the nature and availability of the habitat. It also likely controls the colour and intensity of the sunlight entering the SIPL system.

GET DATA: natalie.robinson@vuw.ac.nz