The concentration of combustion engine particulates, the organic fraction of the particulates and the sources of the particulates identified by isotopic analysis from snow and ice samples near Scott Base - K016_1993_1994_NZ_1

The McMurdo Dry Valleys contain negligible snow and ice, while being surrounded by other glaciated valleys and snow covered mountains. The mechanisms causing the valleys and maintaining them were not established, prior to this study. The aims of this project were to understand the physical mechanisms leading to the existence of the dry valleys, to compare data against models so that the models can be used elsewhere and to investigate whether global warming will dry out glaciated valley's elsewhere. Ten micro-meteorological sites were established throughout the length and breadth of the valley. These measured temperature, humidity, wind speed, wind direction, pressure, sunlight and heat transfer to the surface. Data was recorded automatically every 5-15 minutes at each site. The data was used in models to determine the effects of global warming on glaciated valleys.