Field measurements and rock samples were taken at Victoria
Valley (02-03) to determine the role of moisture in rock
weathering processes along the Victoria land Coast. Surface and
sub-surface temperatures were taken from rocks in the area.
Holes were drilled into the rock at 45mm, 90mm and 400mm depths
with thermocouples inserted and attached. Measurements were made
at one-minute intervals during ... each physical visit in order
to determine the number of times the temperature gradients at
either the surface or the individual depths exceeded 2° C per
minute, a recognised threshold for thermal weathering to occur.
The data loggers were then set to record the temperature hourly
for the October to January period. Surface and sub-surface
moisture content was also measured. Surface moisture sensors
were attached to the rock surface measuring date, time of
surface moisture event and their magnitude. The time events
happened was analysed to see how they correlated with changes in
moisture at depth within the rock. M