scholarly journals Modelling intra-annual dynamics of a major marine-terminating Arctic glacier

2017 ◽  
Vol 58 (74) ◽  
pp. 118-130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sam Pimentel ◽  
Gwenn E. Flowers ◽  
Martin J. Sharp ◽  
Bradley Danielson ◽  
Luke Copland ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sea Ice ◽  
Flow Speed ◽  
Surface Velocity ◽  
Devon Island ◽  
Ice Cap ◽  
Ice Surface ◽  
Run Off ◽  
Glacier Flow ◽  
A Minor ◽  
Arctic Glacier

ABSTRACT Significant intra-annual variability in flow rates of tidewater-terminating Arctic glaciers has been observed in recent years. These changes may result from oceanic and/or atmospheric forcing through (1) perturbations at the terminus, such as enhanced submarine melt and changes in sea-ice buttressing, or (2) increased surface melt, in response to atmospheric warming, reaching the bed and promoting glacier slip. We examine the influence of these processes on Belcher Glacier, a large fast-flowing tidewater outlet of the Devon Island ice cap in the Canadian Arctic. A hydrologically-coupled higher-order ice flow model is used to estimate changes in glacier flow speed as a result of changes in sea-ice buttressing and hydrologically-driven melt-season dynamics. Daily run-off from five sub-catchments over the 2008 and 2009 melt seasons provides meltwater forcing for the model simulations. Model results are compared with remotely-sensed and in situ ice-surface velocity measurements. Sea-ice effects are found to have a minor influence on glacier flow speed relative to that of meltwater drainage, which is clearly implicated in short-term velocity variations during the melt season. We find that threshold drainage is essential in determining the timing of these short-lived accelerations.

scholarly journals Present dynamics and future prognosis of a slowly surging glacier

2011 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 299-313 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. E. Flowers ◽  
N. Roux ◽  
S. Pimentel ◽  
C. G. Schoof
Keyword(s):  
Mass Balance ◽  
Force Balance ◽  
Surface Velocity ◽  
Internal Dynamic ◽  
Ice Dynamics ◽  
Surface Mass ◽  
Ice Surface ◽  
Glacier Ice ◽  
Glacier Flow ◽  
Negative Balance

Abstract. Glacier surges are a well-known example of an internal dynamic oscillation whose occurrence is not a direct response to the external climate forcing, but whose character (i.e. period, amplitude, mechanism) may depend on the glacier's environmental or climate setting. We examine the dynamics of a small (∼5 km2) valley glacier in Yukon, Canada, where two previous surges have been photographically documented and an unusually slow surge is currently underway. To characterize the dynamics of the present surge, and to speculate on the future of this glacier, we employ a higher-order flowband model of ice dynamics with a regularized Coulomb-friction sliding law in both diagnostic and prognostic simulations. Diagnostic (force balance) calculations capture the measured ice-surface velocity profile only when non-zero basal water pressures are prescribed over the central region of the glacier, coincident with where evidence of the surge has been identified. This leads to sliding accounting for 50–100% of the total surface motion in this region. Prognostic simulations, where the glacier geometry evolves in response to a prescribed surface mass balance, reveal a significant role played by a bedrock ridge beneath the current equilibrium line of the glacier. Ice thickening occurs above the ridge in our simulations, until the net mass balance reaches sufficiently negative values. We suggest that the bedrock ridge may contribute to the propensity for surges in this glacier by promoting the development of the reservoir area during quiescence, and may permit surges to occur under more negative balance conditions than would otherwise be possible. Collectively, these results corroborate our interpretation of the current glacier flow regime as indicative of a slow surge that has been ongoing for some time, and support a relationship between surge incidence or character and the net mass balance. Our results also highlight the importance of glacier bed topography in controlling ice dynamics, as observed in many other glacier systems.

scholarly journals D.C. Resistivity Soundings on Devon Island, N.W.T., Canada

1967 ◽  
Vol 6 (47) ◽  
pp. 635-642 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kurt Vögtli
Keyword(s):  
Surface Layer ◽  
Ice Thickness ◽  
Devon Island ◽  
Ice Cap ◽  
Arctic Glacier

Ice thickness and resistivity of an Arctic glacier have been systematically investigated by the geoelectrical method. Further measurements were carried out on the ice cap. Favourable conditions for soundings were encountered, since the ice masses proved to be generally homogeneous, and there was a sufficient difference between the resistivities of ice and bedrock, while the surface layer differed only very little from the ice mass. A higher resistivity was found for bedrock than for the ice.

scholarly journals Present dynamics and future prognosis of a slowly surging glacier

2010 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 1839-1876
Author(s):  
G. E. Flowers ◽  
N. Roux ◽  
S. Pimentel
Keyword(s):  
Mass Balance ◽  
Surface Profile ◽  
Yukon Territory ◽  
Force Balance ◽  
Surface Velocity ◽  
Internal Dynamic ◽  
Ice Dynamics ◽  
Surface Mass ◽  
Ice Surface ◽  
Glacier Flow

Abstract. Glacier surges are a well-known example of an internal dynamic oscillation whose occurrence is not a direct response to the external climate forcing, but whose character (e.g. period, mechanism) may depend on the glacier's environmental or climate setting. We examine the dynamics of a small (~5 km2) valley glacier in the Yukon Territory of Canada, where two previous surges have been photographically documented and an unusually slow surge is currently underway. To characterize the dynamics of the present surge, and to speculate on the future of this glacier, we employ a higher-order flowband model of ice dynamics with a Coulomb-friction sliding law in both diagnostic and prognostic simulations. Diagnostic (force balance) calculations capture the measured ice-surface velocity profile only when high basal water pressures (55–90% of flotation) are prescribed over the central region of the glacier, consistent with where evidence of the surge has been identified. This leads to sliding accounting for 50–100% of the total surface motion. Prognostic simulations, where the glacier geometry evolves in response to a prescribed surface mass balance, reveal a significant role played by a large bedrock bump beneath the current equilibrium line of the glacier. This bump provides resistance to ice flow sufficient to cause the formation of a bulge in the ice-surface profile. We suggest that the bedrock bump contributes to the propensity for surges in this glacier, such that conditions suppressing ice-bulge formation over the bump may also inhibit surges. In our calculations such a situation arises for sufficiently negative values of mass balance. Collectively, these results corroborate our interpretation of the current glacier flow regime as indicative of a "slow surge", and confirm a relationship between surge incidence or character and the net mass balance. Our results also highlight the importance of glacier bed topography in controlling ice dynamics, as observed in many other glacier systems.

scholarly journals The Dynamics of Austfonna, Nordaustlandet, Svalbard: Surface Velocities, Mass Balance, and Subglacial Melt Water

1989 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 37-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julian A. Dowdeswell ◽  
David J. Drewry
Keyword(s):  
Strain Rate ◽  
Mass Balance ◽  
Sea Level ◽  
Drainage Basin ◽  
Landsat Imagery ◽  
Lower Boundary ◽  
Surface Velocity ◽  
Ice Cap ◽  
Ice Surface ◽  
Melt Water

Glaciological measurements from Austfonna on Nordaustlandet, Svalbard, are needed as a prerequisite to mathematical modelling of ice-mass dynamics. Several upper and lower boundary conditions are set out in detail for a 670 km2 drainage basin (Basin 5) and are generalized to the whole ice cap where possible. The ice surface and bed topography are mapped for Basin 5. 30% of the basin lies below sea-level. Bed elevations range from -100 m to over 300 m, and maximum ice thickness is >500 m. A 21 km long trilateral network of stakes provides velocity and strain-rate data. Maximum ice-surface velocity is 47 m a−1 and maximum strain-rate is 0.64 × 10−2 a−1. Snow-line migration with time is mapped from digital Landsat MSS data, and mass-balance estimates are used to calculate balance velocities. At the equilibrium line, about 300–350 m in elevation, balance velocity and observed ice-surface velocity are comparable, indicating that the basin is approximately in balance. A first approximation is given for the rate of iceberg calving from the tide-water basin margins. Enhanced Landsat imagery also shows that turbid melt-water plumes of subglacial origin flow from the terminal ice cliffs, indicating that at least parts of the ice-cap margin are at the melting point. The margins of Basin 5, grounded below present sea-level, are likely to be underlain by deformable sediments, but inland the nature of the substrate is unknown.

scholarly journals D.C. Resistivity Soundings on Devon Island, N.W.T., Canada

1967 ◽  
Vol 6 (47) ◽  
pp. 635-642 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kurt Vögtli
Keyword(s):  
Surface Layer ◽  
Ice Thickness ◽  
Devon Island ◽  
Ice Cap ◽  
Arctic Glacier

Ice thickness and resistivity of an Arctic glacier have been systematically investigated by the geoelectrical method. Further measurements were carried out on the ice cap. Favourable conditions for soundings were encountered, since the ice masses proved to be generally homogeneous, and there was a sufficient difference between the resistivities of ice and bedrock, while the surface layer differed only very little from the ice mass. A higher resistivity was found for bedrock than for the ice.

scholarly journals Seasonal speed-up of two outlet glaciers of Austfonna, Svalbard, inferred from continuous GPS measurements

2012 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 453-466 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Dunse ◽  
T. V. Schuler ◽  
J. O. Hagen ◽  
C. H. Reijmer
Keyword(s):  
Drainage System ◽  
Surface Velocity ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Ice Caps ◽  
Ice Cap ◽  
Flow Units ◽  
Ice Surface ◽  
Satellite Radar ◽  
Behaviour Changes ◽  
Continuous Gps

Abstract. A large part of the ice discharge from ice caps and ice sheets occurs through spatially limited flow units that may operate in a mode of steady flow or cyclic surge behaviour. Changes in the dynamics of distinct flow units play a key role in the mass balance of Austfonna, the largest ice cap on Svalbard. The recent net mass loss of Austfonna was dominated by calving from marine terminating outlet glaciers. Previous ice-surface velocity maps of the ice cap were derived by satellite radar interferometry (InSAR) and rely on data acquired in the mid-1990s with limited information concerning the temporal variability. Here, we present continuous Global Positioning System (GPS) observations along the central flowlines of two fast flowing outlet glaciers over 2008–2010. The data show prominent summer speed-ups with ice-surface velocities as high as 240% of the pre-summer mean. Acceleration follows the onset of the summer melt period, indicating enhanced basal motion due to input of surface meltwater into the subglacial drainage system. In 2008, multiple velocity peaks coincide with successive melt periods. In 2009, the major melt was of higher amplitude than in 2008. Flow velocities appear unaffected by subsequent melt periods, suggesting a transition towards a hydraulically more efficient drainage system. The observed annual mean velocities of Duvebreen and Basin-3 exceed those from the mid-1990s by factors two and four, respectively, implying increased ice discharge at the calving front. Measured summer velocities up to 2 m d−1 for Basin-3 are close to those of Kronebreen, often referred to as the fastest glacier on Svalbard.

scholarly journals Modeling the WorldView-derived seasonal velocity evolution of Kennicott Glacier, Alaska

2016 ◽  
Vol 62 (234) ◽  
pp. 763-777 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. H. ARMSTRONG ◽  
R. S. ANDERSON ◽  
JEFFERY ALLEN ◽  
H. RAJARAM
Keyword(s):  
Stress Gradient ◽  
Surface Expression ◽  
Surface Velocity ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Ice Surface ◽  
Hydrologic System ◽  
Glacier Velocity ◽  
Glacier Flow ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Gaining Insight

ABSTRACTGlacier basal motion generates diurnal to multi-annual fluctuations in glacier velocity and mass flux. Understanding these fluctuations is important for prediction of future sea-level rise and for gaining insight into glacier physics and erosion. Here, we derive glacier velocity through cross-correlation of WorldView satellite imagery to document the evolution of ice surface velocity on Kennicott Glacier, Alaska, over the 2013 melt season. The summer speedup is spatially uniform over a ~12 km2 area, over which the spring velocity varies significantly. Velocity increases by 1.4-fold to tenfold across the study domain, with larger values where spring velocities are low. To investigate the cross-glacier distribution of basal motion required to explain the observed surface speedup, we employ a two-dimensional cross-sectional glacier flow model. We find the model is insensitive to the spatial distribution of basal slip because stress gradient ice coupling diffuses the surface expression of the basal velocity field. While the temporal evolution of the subglacial hydrologic system is critical for predicting a glacier's response to meltwater inputs, our work suggests that glacier and ice-sheet models do not require a detailed representation of subglacial hydrology to accurately capture the spatial pattern of glacier speedup.

scholarly journals Linking surface hydrology to flow regimes and patterns of velocity variability on Devon Ice Cap, Nunavut

2015 ◽  
Vol 61 (226) ◽  
pp. 387-399 ◽  
Author(s):  
Faye R. Wyatt ◽  
Martin J. Sharp
Keyword(s):  
Drainage System ◽  
System Structure ◽  
Surface Velocity ◽  
Point Distribution ◽  
Drainage Systems ◽  
Ice Cap ◽  
Basal Sliding ◽  
Landsat 7 ◽  
Devon Ice Cap ◽  
Glacier Flow

AbstractSupraglacial meltwater reaching a glacier bed can increase ice surface velocities via hydraulic jacking and enhanced basal sliding. However, the relationships between the structure of supraglacial drainage systems, sink-point distributions, glacier flow processes and the magnitude of interannual velocity variability are poorly understood. To explore the hypothesis that spatial variations in the rate and mechanisms of glacier flow are linked to variations in supraglacial drainage system structure and sink-point distribution across an ice cap, we mapped supraglacial drainage systems on Devon Ice Cap from Landsat-7 ETM+ imagery. Spatial patterns of surface velocity and interannual velocity variability were determined using gradient correlation applied to Landsat-7 ETM+ images. Velocity variability is greater in areas close to sink-point locations, presumably because hydrologically forced basal sliding and/or bed deformation are enhanced in such areas. The distribution and characteristics of supraglacial drainage systems may play an important role in determining the distribution of regions of basal sliding, highlighting the need for knowledge of the supraglacial drainage system structure and sink-point distribution to inform efforts to model the dynamic response of Arctic ice caps to future climate warming.

Deciphering the fallout of tephra on glaciers in past eruptions, the case history of the Katla 1918 eruption

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magnus Tumi Gudmundsson ◽  
Gudrun Larsen ◽  
Maria H. Janebo ◽  
Thordis Hognadottir ◽  
Tinna Jonsdottir
Keyword(s):  
Mass Balance ◽  
Central Volcano ◽  
Tephra Layer ◽  
Ice Flow ◽  
Ice Cap ◽  
Ice Surface ◽  
History Of ◽  
Tephra Layers ◽  
Glacier Flow ◽  
Isopach Map

<p>Explosive eruptions in ice-covered volcanoes may deposit large volumes of tephra on the glaciated slopes.  The tephra can influence surface ablation and alter mass balance.  Ice melting by an eruption can change glacier geometry and temporarily alter the flow of outlet glaciers.  Conversely, when assessing the size of past tephra-producing eruptions in an ice-covered volcano the glacier complicates such estimates.  The effects of ice flow, dilation and shear need to be considered.  A tephra layer may get buried in the accumulation area, be transported by glacier flow and progressively removed over years-to-centuries by ice flow, eolian transport of exposed tephras and sediment transport in glacial rivers.  Here we report on a case study from the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap that covers the upper parts of the large Katla central volcano in south Iceland.  Most eruptions start beneath the 300-700 m thick ice cover within the Katla caldera, melt large volumes of ice and cause major jökulhlaups.  They also produce tephra layers that are preserved in soils around the volcano.  The most recent eruption in Katla occurred in October-November 1918, when a large tephra layer was deposited in a 3-weeks long eruption. By using a combination of (1) data obtained at or near the vent area within the SE-part of the Katla caldera in the year following the eruption, (2) mapping of the tephra as exposed at the present time in the ablation areas in the lower parts of the outlet glaciers, and (3) simple models of ice flow based on balance velocities and knowledge of mass balance, we estimate the location of fallout and the original thickness of the presently exposed tephra.  Photos taken in the vent area in 1919 indicate a tephra thickness of 20-30 m on the ice surface proximal to the vents.  The greatest thicknesses presently observed, 30-35 cm, occur where the layer outcrops in the lowermost parts of the ablation areas of the Kötlujökull and Sólheimajökull outlet glaciers.  A fallout location within the Katla caldera is inferred for the presently exposed tephra, as estimates of balance velocities imply lateral transport since 1918 of ~15 km for Kötlujökull, ~11 km for Sólheimajökull and about 2 km for the broad northern lobe of Sléttjökull.  The calculations indicate that ice transport with associated dilation of the glacier through the accumulation areas has resulted in significant thinning.   Thus, the layer that is now 0.3-0.35 m thick in the fastest flowing outlets is estimated to have been four to seven times thicker when it fell on the accumulation area within the ice-filled caldera.  In contrast, changes have been minor in the slowly moving Sléttjökull.  These findings allow for the construction of an isopach map for the glacier.  The results indicate that just under half of the total airborne tephra produced in the eruption fell within the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, with the remaining half spread out over a large part of Iceland.  These methods potentially allow for reconstruction of several tephra layers from ice-covered volcanoes in Iceland and elsewhere. </p>

scholarly journals Relationships between iceberg plumes and sea-ice conditions on northeast Devon Ice Cap, Nunavut, Canada

2012 ◽  
Vol 53 (60) ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emilie Herdes ◽  
Luke Copland ◽  
Brad Danielson ◽  
Martin Sharp
Keyword(s):  
Sea Ice ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Time Lapse ◽  
Ice Cap ◽  
Air Temperatures ◽  
Devon Ice Cap ◽  
Ice Conditions ◽  
Landfast Sea Ice ◽  
A Minor ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThis study investigates the impact of sea-ice conditions on the production of iceberg plumes from two tidewater glaciers on Devon Ice Cap, Nunavut, Canada. These effects are quantified using a 12 year RADARSAT-1 satellite record from 1997–2008 that contains imagery from approximately every 1–2 weeks in the winter and every 1–4 days in the summer. Iceberg plumes identified in this record are verified against terrestrial time-lapse photography of Belcher Glacier from 2007–08. Results suggest a strong relationship between iceberg plumes and the retreat of sea ice from the glacier termini, with the plumes caused by both the release of previously calved icebergs (ice melange) and new glacier calving. Iceberg plumes are also sometimes observed at other times in the summer and in midwinter (occasionally on both glaciers simultaneously), with these events likely due to new glacier calving alone. Analysis of tides and air temperatures suggests that they provide a minor influence on the timing of iceberg plumes. Instead, it appears that changes in the presence of sea ice are dominant on seasonal timescales, although internal glacier dynamics likely play a significant role for winter plume events that occur when substantial thicknesses of landfast sea ice are present.

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