Hydrologic properties of a highly permeable firn aquifer in the Wilkins Ice Shelf, Antarctica
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Abstract
We present measurements of the density, hydraulic conductivity, and specific discharge of a widespread firn aquifer in Antarctica, within the Wilkins Ice Shelf. At the field site, the aquifer is 16.2 m thick, starting at 13.4 m from the snow surface and transitioning from water‐saturated firn to ice at 29.6 m. Hydraulic conductivity derived from slug tests show a geometric mean value of 1.4 ± 1.2 × 10−4 m s−1, equivalent to permeability of 2.6 ± 2.2 × 10−11 m2. A borehole dilution test indicates an average specific discharge value of 1.9 ± 2.8 × 10−6 m s−1. Ground‐penetrating radar profiles and a groundwater flow model show the aquifer is draining laterally into a large nearby rift. Our findings indicate that the firn aquifer in the vicinity of the field site is likely not in a steady state and its presence likely contributed to past ice shelf instability.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Hydrologic properties of a highly permeable firn aquifer in the Wilkins Ice Shelf, Antarctica |
| Series title | Geophysical Research Letters |
| DOI | 10.1029/2020GL089552 |
| Volume | 47 |
| Year Published | 2020 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Wiley |
| Contributing office(s) | Utah Water Science Center |
| Description | e2020GL089552, 10 p. |
| Other Geospatial | Antarctica, Wilkins Ice Sheet |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |