Phase Composition of Pore Water in Cold Rocks

The phase composition of pore water in three types of rock subjected to temperature below OC was explored by a variety of techniques. Freezing point depression was measured as a function of water content by differential thermal analysis, the results yielding relationships between unfrozen water content and temperature. In an effort to avoid the practical difficulties involved in differential thermal analysis, attempts were made to determine freezing characteristics indirectly by air penetration and mercury penetration techniques applied at ordinary room temperatures. Electrical conductivity measurements were made as a function of temperature down to -195C in an attempt to obtain information on characteristics of interfacial water films at low temperatures. Thermal strain was measured as a function of temperature in order to detect direct mechanical effects associated with phase changes, chiefly strain discontinuities brought about by volume changes in the pore water during rapid freezing and thawing. Finally, isothermal compressibility whether the rock underwent step changes in volumetric strain at pressures corresponding to those of the phase boundaries for ice polymorphs. (Author).