title: Investigation of air and soil climate across the latitudinal and altitudinal gradient of the Ross Sea region of Antarctica

authors: Goddard, Holly Elizabeth

abstract: A soil climate station network in the Ross Sea region of Antarctica comprises; Cape Hallett (72.19°S, 2 m asl), Granite Harbour (77°S, 6 m asl), Victoria Valley (77.19°S, 408 m asl), Marble Point (77.25°S, 55 m asl), Bull Pass East (77.30°S, 833 m asl), Wright Valley (77.31°S, 155 m asl), Mt Fleming (77.32°S, 1690 m asl), Scott Base (77.50°S, 51 m asl), Minna Bluff (78.30°S, 28 m asl), and Darwin Glacier (79.50°S, 333 m asl).  Variables measured include air and soil temperatures to 1.2 m depth, and wind speed and direction.  The overall objectives of this study were to; investigate the trends in air and soil temperatures across latitudinal and altitudinal gradients from Cape Hallett (72°S) to Darwin Glacier (79.5°S), and from sea level to the edge of the Polar Plateau; quantify the cumulative number of days when air and soil temperatures were ≥0°C; and to analyse the wind data to characterise the wind regime at each site and to investigate storm events and diurnal patterns.

Mean annual air temperatures were, from warmest to coolest: Cape Hallett ( 15.3°C), Granite Harbour ( 16.6°C), Marble Point ( 17.6°C), Darwin Glacier ( 18.2°C), Minna Bluff ( 18.3°C), Scott Base ( 19.1°C), Wright Valley ( 19.6°C), and Victoria Valley ( 22.4°C).  Two stations had a warming trend (P<0.05); Marble Point (in air, and in soil at 7.5 and 120 cm depth) and Granite Harbour (in soil at 5.5 cm depth). No significant trends of warming or cooling were observed at the Cape Hallett, Darwin Glacier, Minna Bluff, Scott Base, Wright Valley, Victoria Valley, or Mt Fleming sites.  Shallow soil temperatures were warmer than air temperatures, apparently due to heating from solar radiation in summer, and snow insulation in winter.  

The mean cumulative days/summer with air temperature ≥0°C ranged from: Wright Valley (33.3), Victoria Valley (22.3), Granite Harbour (10.4), Marble Point (9.7), Minna Bluff (7.6), Darwin Glacier (7.3), Scott Base (4.2), to Mt Fleming (0.0).  In shallow soil (~5 cm depth), the mean cumulative number of days/summer with T≥0°C were: Wright Valley (69.8), Granite Harbour (69.6), Marble Point (55.5), Minna Bluff (52.8), Victoria Valley (50.2), Scott Base (34.6), Cape Hallett (32.2), to Mt Fleming (0.0).  At the mid-depth soil (~20 cm depth), the overall cumulative numbers of days with T≥0°C were: Granite Harbour (65.5), Wright Valley (52.0), Marble Point (44.7), Minna Bluff (31.6), Cape Hallett (22.5), Scott Base (13.9), Victoria Valley (1.8), and Mt Fleming (0.0).  There was no increasing or decreasing trend in the days with air or soil T≥0°C over the record period.  

Mean annual wind speeds were: Darwin Glacier (45 kmhr-1), Minna Bluff (42 kmhr-1), Mt Fleming (29 kmhr-1), Scott Base (17 kmhr-1), Wright Valley (14 kmhr-1), Marble Point (12 kmhr-1), Victoria Valley (8 kmhr-1), and Granite Harbour (7 kmhr-1).  The highest recorded mean hourly wind speed was 169 kmhr 1 at Minna Bluff in 2009.  There was increasing wind speed with increased latitude (R2=0.59), but no relationship between wind speed and altitude.  Controls on wind speed and direction were likely to be a combination of altitude, latitude, local topography, and cyclonic storms.

text: Investigation of air and soil climate across the latitudinal and altitudinal gradient of the Ross Sea region of Antarctica A soil climate station network in the Ross Sea region of Antarctica comprises; Cape Hallett (72.19°S, 2 m asl), Granite Harbour (77°S, 6 m asl), Victoria Valley (77.19°S, 408 m asl), Marble Point (77.25°S, 55 m asl), Bull Pass East (77.30°S, 833 m asl), Wright Valley (77.31°S, 155 m asl), Mt Fleming (77.32°S, 1690 m asl), Scott Base (77.50°S, 51 m asl), Minna Bluff (78.30°S, 28 m asl), and Darwin Glacier (79.50°S, 333 m asl).  Variables measured include air and soil temperatures to 1.2 m depth, and wind speed and direction.  The overall objectives of this study were to; investigate the trends in air and soil temperatures across latitudinal and altitudinal gradients from Cape Hallett (72°S) to Darwin Glacier (79.5°S), and from sea level to the edge of the Polar Plateau; quantify the cumulative number of days when air and soil temperatures were ≥0°C; and to analyse the wind data to characterise the wind regime at each site and to investigate storm events and diurnal patterns.

Mean annual air temperatures were, from warmest to coolest: Cape Hallett ( 15.3°C), Granite Harbour ( 16.6°C), Marble Point ( 17.6°C), Darwin Glacier ( 18.2°C), Minna Bluff ( 18.3°C), Scott Base ( 19.1°C), Wright Valley ( 19.6°C), and Victoria Valley ( 22.4°C).  Two stations had a warming trend (P<0.05); Marble Point (in air, and in soil at 7.5 and 120 cm depth) and Granite Harbour (in soil at 5.5 cm depth). No significant trends of warming or cooling were observed at the Cape Hallett, Darwin Glacier, Minna Bluff, Scott Base, Wright Valley, Victoria Valley, or Mt Fleming sites.  Shallow soil temperatures were warmer than air temperatures, apparently due to heating from solar radiation in summer, and snow insulation in winter.  

The mean cumulative days/summer with air temperature ≥0°C ranged from: Wright Valley (33.3), Victoria Valley (22.3), Granite Harbour (10.4), Marble Point (9.7), Minna Bluff (7.6), Darwin Glacier (7.3), Scott Base (4.2), to Mt Fleming (0.0).  In shallow soil (~5 cm depth), the mean cumulative number of days/summer with T≥0°C were: Wright Valley (69.8), Granite Harbour (69.6), Marble Point (55.5), Minna Bluff (52.8), Victoria Valley (50.2), Scott Base (34.6), Cape Hallett (32.2), to Mt Fleming (0.0).  At the mid-depth soil (~20 cm depth), the overall cumulative numbers of days with T≥0°C were: Granite Harbour (65.5), Wright Valley (52.0), Marble Point (44.7), Minna Bluff (31.6), Cape Hallett (22.5), Scott Base (13.9), Victoria Valley (1.8), and Mt Fleming (0.0).  There was no increasing or decreasing trend in the days with air or soil T≥0°C over the record period.  

Mean annual wind speeds were: Darwin Glacier (45 kmhr-1), Minna Bluff (42 kmhr-1), Mt Fleming (29 kmhr-1), Scott Base (17 kmhr-1), Wright Valley (14 kmhr-1), Marble Point (12 kmhr-1), Victoria Valley (8 kmhr-1), and Granite Harbour (7 kmhr-1).  The highest recorded mean hourly wind speed was 169 kmhr 1 at Minna Bluff in 2009.  There was increasing wind speed with increased latitude (R2=0.59), but no relationship between wind speed and altitude.  Controls on wind speed and direction were likely to be a combination of altitude, latitude, local topography, and cyclonic storms.

year: 2013

title: Investigating the effectiveness of teaching methods based on a four-step constructivist strategy

authors: Calik, Muammer

subjects: alternative conception

abstract: This paper reports on an investigation of the effectiveness an intervention using several different methods for teaching solution chemistry. The teaching strategy comprised a four-step approach derived from a constructivist view of learning. A sample consisting of 44 students (18 boys and 26 girls) was selected purposively from two different Grade 9 classes in the city of Trabzon, Turkey. Data collection employed a purpose-designed ‘solution chemistry concept test’, consisting of 17 items, with the quantitative data from the survey supported by qualitative interview data. The findings suggest that using different methods embedded within the four-step constructivist-based teaching strategy enables students to refute some alternative conceptions, but does not completely eliminate student alternative conceptions for solution chemistry.

text: Investigating the effectiveness of teaching methods based on a four-step constructivist strategy This paper reports on an investigation of the effectiveness an intervention using several different methods for teaching solution chemistry. The teaching strategy comprised a four-step approach derived from a constructivist view of learning. A sample consisting of 44 students (18 boys and 26 girls) was selected purposively from two different Grade 9 classes in the city of Trabzon, Turkey. Data collection employed a purpose-designed ‘solution chemistry concept test’, consisting of 17 items, with the quantitative data from the survey supported by qualitative interview data. The findings suggest that using different methods embedded within the four-step constructivist-based teaching strategy enables students to refute some alternative conceptions, but does not completely eliminate student alternative conceptions for solution chemistry.

year: 2010

title: Waata Kukutai: Rangatira o Ngaati Tiipa 1822-1867

authors: Ewe, Denise Te Tuhi

subjects: Biography

abstract: This thesis examines the life of Ngaati Tiipa rangatira Waata Kukutai (1822-1867), and critiques historical perspectives that have narrowly identified him as merely a Kuupapa loyalist. This study argues that Kukutai’s choices and leadership were driven first and foremost by those things he viewed as crucial to Ngaati Tiipa autonomy and wellbeing. Kukutai was an articulate and well-educated leader of Ngaati Tiipa. Waata was governed by principles of rangatiratanga (chieftainship), mana motuhake (independence) and loyalty to Ngaati Tiipa and to the whenua. He was deeply religious and courageous and was an entrepreneur who sought to protect his people by securing economic independence. This thesis shows how he negotiated colonial structures by forming strategic alliances, and in the process led his people through one of the most turbulent periods in New Zealand history.  

Waata was an enigma shaped by loss, vision and hope for a new future in extraordinary times in New Zealand’s history. Waata was a polarising personality who held fast to his life principles. He withstood immense pressure from other Waikato chiefs during the Waikato invasion. During the Waikato War Waata was most active, carrying letters, food and supplies to colonial soldiers and earned himself and his tribe of Ngaati Tiipa the label of kuupapa. While Waata was not the only ‘friendly chief’ during colonial times he has been the most pillorised in Waikato. Seemingly ignored by many historians is at the same time Waata ensued that Ngaati Tiipa land was never invaded by the colonial troops. Waata’s actions protected his people and his land and maintained his mana motuhake, his sovereignty over his district.

text: Waata Kukutai: Rangatira o Ngaati Tiipa 1822-1867 This thesis examines the life of Ngaati Tiipa rangatira Waata Kukutai (1822-1867), and critiques historical perspectives that have narrowly identified him as merely a Kuupapa loyalist. This study argues that Kukutai’s choices and leadership were driven first and foremost by those things he viewed as crucial to Ngaati Tiipa autonomy and wellbeing. Kukutai was an articulate and well-educated leader of Ngaati Tiipa. Waata was governed by principles of rangatiratanga (chieftainship), mana motuhake (independence) and loyalty to Ngaati Tiipa and to the whenua. He was deeply religious and courageous and was an entrepreneur who sought to protect his people by securing economic independence. This thesis shows how he negotiated colonial structures by forming strategic alliances, and in the process led his people through one of the most turbulent periods in New Zealand history.  

Waata was an enigma shaped by loss, vision and hope for a new future in extraordinary times in New Zealand’s history. Waata was a polarising personality who held fast to his life principles. He withstood immense pressure from other Waikato chiefs during the Waikato invasion. During the Waikato War Waata was most active, carrying letters, food and supplies to colonial soldiers and earned himself and his tribe of Ngaati Tiipa the label of kuupapa. While Waata was not the only ‘friendly chief’ during colonial times he has been the most pillorised in Waikato. Seemingly ignored by many historians is at the same time Waata ensued that Ngaati Tiipa land was never invaded by the colonial troops. Waata’s actions protected his people and his land and maintained his mana motuhake, his sovereignty over his district.

year: 2020