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The Fractionation of Natural Isotopes During Temperature Gradient Metamorphism of Snow

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Seasonal Snowcovers: Physics, Chemistry, Hydrology

Part of the book series: NATO ASI Series ((ASIC,volume 211))

Abstract

Changes in the ratios of the naturally occurring isotopes HD0 and H2 18O occur when a layer of snow gains or loses mass. These changes can be used to measure the mass transport across a horizon. Measurement of the temperature gradient across the horizon allows one to calculate the effective diffusion coefficient. Preliminary experiments indicate that the effective diffusion coefficient is approximately twice that of water vapor in air. The enhancement is probably the result of the geometry of the ice network.

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© 1987 D. Reidel Publishing Company

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Sommerfeld, R.A., Friedman, I., Nilles, M. (1987). The Fractionation of Natural Isotopes During Temperature Gradient Metamorphism of Snow. In: Jones, H.G., Orville-Thomas, W.J. (eds) Seasonal Snowcovers: Physics, Chemistry, Hydrology. NATO ASI Series, vol 211. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-3947-9_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-3947-9_5

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-010-8251-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-009-3947-9

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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