This project studies subsurface ice in the McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica, modeling their origin based on field, laboratory, and theoretical work. These ices are highly unusual in that given the shallow occurrence and hyperarid conditions they should have sublimed away, but appear to have existed for many millions of years. The ices are important in that they may provide unique paleoclimate information, insight into the physical behavior of soils in these extreme environments, and provide an analogue for primary Martian processes. The broader impacts are undergraduate and graduate student education. The results may also contribute to understanding recent global climate change.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Polar Programs (PLR)
Application #
0636998
Program Officer
Alexandra Isern
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
2007-09-15
Budget End
2011-08-31
Support Year
Fiscal Year
2006
Total Cost
$429,133
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Washington
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Seattle
State
WA
Country
United States
Zip Code
98195