Dating firn cores by vertical strain measurements

Authors: Hawley, Robert L.; Waddington, Edwin D.; Morse, David L.; Dunbar, Nelia W.; Zielinski, Gregory

Source: Journal of Glaciology, Volume 48, Number 162, June 2002 , pp. 401-406(6)

Publisher: International Glaciological Society

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Abstract:

We have developed a system for measuring a vertical strain-rate profile in the firn on polar ice sheets using a readily available video camera to detect metal bands inserted in an air-filled hole. We used this system in 1995 and 1996 at Taylor Dome, Antarctica. We use density measurements combined with our strain rates to infer vertical velocities. From our velocities we calculate a steady-state depth age scale for the firn at Taylor Dome. The age of a visible ash layer from 79.1m is 675 ± 25 years; this ash can be correlated with ash found at 97.2 m in a recent ice core at Siple Dome, West Antarctica.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.3189/172756502781831250

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