Laser-Derived Particle Size Characterisation of CRP-1, McMurdo Sound, Antarctica

Abstract

Laser-derived particle size determinations of gravel-free samples obtained at c. 1 m intervals through out the CRP-1 core are presented. These data were collected using a Malvern Mastersizer-X long bed instrument and are presented as unmodified laser diffraction diameters. Eight broad textural zones are identified. The bulk of samples show a moderate degree of sorting indicating that little if any ice-contact sedimentation is preserved with in the cored interval. A regular variation in mode and median particle size occurs approximately every five metres throughout much of the core and is suggestive of environmental forcing.