Geomorphic processes at Antarctic oases (with special reference to oasis McMurdo)

Abstract

Sub-aerial relief-forming processes are few in number and weak in polar cold deserts without rains and melt water being hardly available, Vertical zonality of the processes is almost completely absent. Final stage of mountain planation is «deserption pediment» inclined by 30⁰. General erosion rate (mostly due to deflation) is less than 0,1 mm per year, which is lowest for mountain regions. As far as the exogenous processes are concerned, the oases of Transantarctic Mountains are most relevant analogs of the Moon and Mars.