Drainage assessment and flow monitoring at McMurdo Station during austral summer
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Engineer Research and Development Center (U.S.)
Abstract
The McMurdo Station watershed extends from the perennial snow and ice fields north of the Station down to McMurdo Sound, covering approximately 5 km². Runoff from the watershed results almost exclusively from snowmelt, which passes through McMurdo via a system of drainage ditches, gullies, and culverts. Ultimately, the snowmelt is discharged to Winter Quarters Bay and McMurdo Sound through several points. While flowing, the runoff mobilizes sediment (i.e., sands and silts) and localized soil contaminants (e.g., petroleum hydrocarbons). McMurdo Station was built and has evolved and expanded without planning. As a consequence, and because of McMurdo’s unique environment, runoff during periods of heavy flow has created flow paths under and around buildings, and across roads and parking lots. These seemingly simple, manageable problems for locations in the continental U.S. can slow or stop transportation, undermine buildings, and remove valuable fines in McMurdo. This report includes a compilation of previous studies and the more recent (FY09-10) modeling and field assessment of McMurdo watershed run-off. CRREL conducted a preliminary drainage analysis in 2008-2009 that reviewed previous analyses, compiled site data, developed a preliminary hydrologic model of the basin, and recommended solutions for drainage issues. This current effort aims to validate and improve the previous assessment with field measurements and observations taken during the 2009-10 austral summer: characterizing the watershed and the critical parameters that influence the runoff; quantifying runoff at the Station; understanding the subsurface soil conditions; recommending, based on observations, mitigation methods for this unique environment and preserving valuable fines.