Ablation Valley
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Ablation Valley, also known as Ablation Bay, is a mainly ice-free
Climate
The climate of the area is affected by easterly-moving cyclonic depressions of the Southern Ocean. These depressions make the weather relatively mild; bring strong northerly winds and a heavy cloud cover to the region. The climate is also characterized by continental north to northwesterly flow of cold anticyclone air from the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. This flow brings clear, cold and stable conditions, relatively light winds from the south, and negative temperatures. The mean summer temperature recorded in the early 1970s was estimated as just below 0 °C (32 °F). The mean annual temperature was estimated at -9 °C (16 °F) in the same time period. There is also a little snow falling in summer. The area is mostly free of snow by the end of summer.
Ecology of fresh water
There are many lakes, ponds and streams that are rich in
Birds in the area
Explorers have seen south polar skuas (Catharacta maccormicki). The birds nest close to moist and vegetated areas. Also, snow petrels (Pagodroma nivea) have been found breeding close to the Ablation Point.
Scientific activities
- 1936 - The first visit to the Ablation Valley area by members of the British Graham Land Expedition. Around 100 fossil specimens were collected from near Ablation Point.
- The next visit was about a decade later. The purpose was to undertake basic geological descriptions and more fossil collecting.
- 1960s through to the 1980s - British geologists conducted more intensive palaeontological investigations with detailed studies of the geomorphology.
- 1970s - Limnological investigations were undertaken.
- 1980s and 1990s - expeditions examining the terrestrial biology were initiated.
- Since 2000 scientific activities have been focused on palaeoclimatological research.[2]
See also
References
- ^ "Ablation Valley and Ganymede Heights, Alexander Island" (PDF). Management Plan for Antarctic Specially Protected Area No. 147: Measure 1. Antarctic Treaty Secretariat. 2002. Retrieved 2013-09-11.
- ^ "Ablation Valley and Ganymede Heights, Alexander Island" (PDF). Management Plan for Antarctic Specially Protected Area No. 147. Retrieved 2 April 2014.
This article incorporates public domain material from "Ablation Valley". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey.