Capillary Tension in Rotting Ice Layers

Abstract : This study examines the moisture tension constituent relationship of ice near 0 C by measuring its moisture characteristic curve. In this novel approach, we held ice samples in a Tempe cell submerged in a cold bath and removed water from the ice veins through incremental increases in air pressure. Observed air entry and water re-entry pressures generally support an idealized flow path model of alternating vein segments and nodes. Re-entry of water into the air-filled ice samples occurred slowly over a period of weeks, suggesting low permeabilities on the order of 1 x 10(-18) m2. We conclude that ice desaturates and rewets in a manner similar to soils, with entry pressures on the order of silts.