Abstract
Abstract A theoretical explanation is advanced consisting of a five stage process for the formation of polygonal ground which consists of stone borders forming regular hexagons and soil centres. One of these stages, namely the onset of convection in a porous soil between temperatures of 0°C and approximately 4-6°C, is studied analytically. Darcy's law is employed but variable permeability is allowed for and a parabolic density dependence on temperature is assumed. It is found that the theoretical predictions of the aspect ratio agree very well with field studies when a constant upper surface heat flux condition is imposed and an upwardly stratified permeability is chosen. Field study data, which agree very well with the theory, are reported in detail.
Published Version
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