Description
Von Guerard Stream, containing drainage from the Kukri Hills glaciers, is similar to Delta Stream in most characteristics. The upper portion is located in a steep gradient reach near the source glacier. The streambed has incised the glacial till, leaving steep-sided banks. The streambed is composed of large cobbles and boulders embedded with sand. From the accumulation of wind-blown snow, the streambed may be snow-covered for some time into the summer. Below the steep upper reach, the gradient becomes gentle. Most of the flow (about 75%) is directed down a primary channel on the east. The remaining flow goes to the west and drains out into a broad, flat area. During low flow periods, a large area of alluvium is saturated. Under high flow, shallow pools form. Below this flat area, the gradient steepens, and a well-defined channel can be observed on the west side. The well-defined channel, with banks as high as 2-3 m in some reaches, suggests that during some period in the past a larger proportion of the flow from the steep upper reach was directed westward and into this channel. The lower portion of the Von Guerard Stream is located below the flat region in a reach with moderate gradient and wide streambed at this site. Stream length: 4.9 km.
Environmental data
Hydrological, biological, chemical, and physical property measurements have been made for a number of McMurdo Dry Valley streams and lakes.
See: LTER Data
Von Guerard Stream, Taylor Valley.
See: Overview maps
Suess Glacier with Wharton Creek drainage to left. 2002. Photo: Justin Joslin.
Dry stream bed of Wharton Creek, along the Suess Glacier. 2001. Photo: Justin Joslin.
