Item: A branch grain theory of temperature gradient metamorphism
-
-
Title: A branch grain theory of temperature gradient metamorphism
Proceedings: Proceedings of the 1982 International Snow Science Workshop, Bozeman, Montana, USA
Authors: Richard A. Sommerfeld, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, Alpine Snow and Avalanche Project, 240 West Prospect St., Ft. Collins, Colorado 80526
Date: 1982
Abstract: Temperature gradient metamorphism in snow results in the development of branch grains (Kry, 1975) at the expense of other types of grains. At constant density, the development of branch grains decreases the strength, thermal conductivity and crystal number density while increasing the mean crystal size. A theory is developed which uses the following major assumptions: (l) at growth sites the thermal gradient is a function of crystal separation and (2) vapor flux is a function of local thermal gradient. A computer model based on the theory is compared with stereological measurements of snow from a carefully controlled experiment. The model calculates grain size distributions within the accuracy of the measurements. The major conclusion is that the theory explains the main process in temperature gradient metamorphism. The inclusion of surface energy considerations and stereological refinements would probably improve the theory when techniques for stereological analysis become more accurate.
Presenters: Unknown
Keywords: temperature gradients, metamorphism, computer model, vapor
Subjects: temperature gradients metamorphism thermal conductivity
-
Digital Abstract Not Available
-