The problem of how to select and synthesize glaciological and hydrological information for the map of South Spitsbergen is discussed. The area of interest covers aproximately 1700 km2, but not all of it has been explored equally well so far. The map is under preparation for printing. It is one of a series of environmental maps of Hornsund at 1:75 000. Geomorphology and geology have been completed already. The general objective was to reveal the spatial differentiation of glacial and hydrological phenomena in the vicinity of the Hornsund Fiord but particular interest was focused on providing synthesized information about glacial and hydrological phenomena and processes, which had been considered in the context of natural hydrological basins.
The result is a specification of the phenomena represented in the map. It had been divided into five parts;
(1)
elements of geomorphology, geology (lithology) and topography (basemap);
(2)
features of glaciers and glacial phenomena on land;
(3)
physical and chemical properties of on-land streams and glacier streams;
(4)
features of marine environment and Hornsund Fiord bottom (during contruction); and
(5)
general characterization and classification of phenomena occurring in hydrological basins.
The first is of a general nature. Parts two, three and four include detailed, analytical information. Part five comprises synthesized data.
The glaciers of Hornsund are specified by morphological classification, according to PSFG of the IAHS, by the position of the mean firn line and major glacier zones, and by the pattern of the ice flow-lines, along with some information on the velocity of flow. Thermal classification of the glaciers, and data on the oscillations of the glacier fronts in the 20th century are presented.
Of the Hornsund glaciers, Werenskioldbreen (approximately 27 km2)has been exposed in the map at 1.25 000. It has roused the interest of many investigators and is amongst the best explored examples. The available set ot data pertaining to this glacier consists predominantly of analytical, quantifying information, e.g. on the changes of the glacier surface altitude which occurred from 1957 to 1983, on the net balance at selected points of the glacier, on the pattern of englacial and subglacial channels, on the discharge in glacial streams, and on the quantity and degree of mineralization and chemical content of glacial streams, etc.
The result is a coloured map which aims at representing, in a systematic and synthesized manner, contemporary phenomena and processes associated with the glaciers and the water system of the Hornsund Fiord basin.
Floods of glacial streams in Qaanaaq, northwestern Greenland