Details of Award
NERC Reference : NER/B/S/2003/00748
Laboratory simulation of solifluction processes associated with one-sided and two-sided active-layer freezing.
Grant Award
- Principal Investigator:
- Professor C Harris, Cardiff University, School of Earth and Ocean Sciences
- Co-Investigator:
- Professor J Murton, University of Sussex, Sch of Global Studies
- Co-Investigator:
- Professor MCR Davies, City, University of London, Sch of Engineering and Mathematical Sci
- Grant held at:
- Cardiff University, School of Earth and Ocean Sciences
- Science Area:
- Earth
- Atmospheric
- Overall Classification:
- Earth
- ENRIs:
- Natural Resource Management
- Global Change
- Environmental Risks and Hazards
- Science Topics:
- Glacial & Cryospheric Systems
- Earth Engineering
- Climate & Climate Change
- Earth Surface Processes
- Abstract:
- Periglacial solifluction (the slow downslope flow of saturated soils) is the main mechanism of hillslope sediment transport in many periglacial regions. Two distinct styles are recognised; (a) where displacement increases towards the surface, found where ground freezes seasonally from the surface downwards (one-sided freezing), and (b) where the active-layer moves down slope en mass over a basal shear zone, found where winter freezing of the active-layer takes place from the surface downwards and from the underlying permafrost table upwards (two-sided freezing). In this project, full-scale laboratory modelling will be conducted to simulate solifluction on two identical slopes, one subjected to repeated one-sided freezing and top-down thawing (simulating deep seasonal freezing and thawing), the other subjected to two-sided freezing followed by top-down thawing (simulating the active-layer above cold permafrost). Experiments will take place in collaboration with CNRS UMR 6143 Caen, France, taking advantage of their unique refrigerated cold room facilities. Modelling will allow boundary conditions and soil properties to be highly controlled and facilitate continuous measurements of freezing mechanisms, frost heave, thaw-related surface displacements, pore water pressures and the profiles of soil shearing. Outcomes will include understanding of factors controlling the style of solifluction shear strain, geotechnical significance of progressive soil fabric development, improved approaches to slope stability assessment and the modelling of permafrost slope hazards. The project supports NERC's mission to promote high quality research applicable to geological interpretation, engineering design and the environmental impacts of global warming.
- NERC Reference:
- NER/B/S/2003/00748
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Small Grants Pre FEC
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Small Grants
This grant award has a total value of £30,870
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - T&S | Total - Other Costs | Total - Equipment |
|---|---|---|
| £10,799 | £5,605 | £14,466 |
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