The Frozen Earth: Fundamentals of Geocryology (Studies in Polar Research)

This book describes the effects of cold climates on the surface of the earth. Using scientific principles, the authors describe the evolution of ground thermal conditions and the origin of natural features such as frost heave, solifluction, slope instabilities, patterned ground, pingos and ice wedges. The thermodynamic conditions accompanying the freezing of water in porous materials are examined and their fundamental role in the ice segregation and frost heave processes is demonstrated in a clear and simple manner. This book concentrates on the analysis of the causes and effects of frozen ground phenomena, rather than on the description of the natural features characteristic of freezing or thawing ground. Its scientific approach provides a basis for geotechnical analyses such as those essential to resource development. Cover......Page 1 Frontmatter......Page 2 Table of Contents......Page 8 List of Symbols......Page 12 Preface......Page 16 1. Periglacial conditions......Page 18 2. Morphology of permafrost and seasonally frozen ground......Page 44 3. Climate and frozen ground......Page 72 4. The ground thermal regime......Page 100 5. The forms of the ground surface 1: slopes and subsidences......Page 139 6. The forms of the ground surface 2: structures and microtopography of level ground......Page 166 7. Thermodynamic behaviour of frozen soils......Page 191 8. Hydrology of frozen ground......Page 219 9. The mechanics of frozen ground......Page 254 10. Geocryology past and future......Page 289 References......Page 297 Index......Page 320 Describes the effects of cold climates on the surface of the earth. Using scientific principles, the authors describe the evolution of ground thermal conditions and the origin of natural features such as frost heave, solifluction, slope instabilities, patterned ground, pingoes and ice wedges. The thermodynamic conditions accompanying the freezing of water in porous materials are examined, and their fundamental role in ice segregation and frost heave processes is demonstrated in a simple manner Peter J. Williams And Michael W. Smith. Includes Index. Bibliography: P. [280]-302.