Field-based research directions for investigating the interior of high-elevation debris-covered glaciers

• Published in: Annals of Glaciology
• Main Authors: Miles, Katie E., Hubbard, Bryn, Miles, Evan S., Quincey, Duncan J., Rowan, Ann V.
• Other Authors: Natural Environment Research Council, Royal Society
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 2022
• Subjects: Annals of Glaciology
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/aog.2023.21; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0260305523000216

Abstract The debris that covers the ablation areas of high-elevation debris-covered glaciers contributes to the distinctive features and processes occurring both on and within such glaciers. Despite recent advances, knowledge of the subsurface environments of high-elevation debris-covered glaciers is still extremely limited. In particular, targeted field-based data are needed to parameterise and refine the projections of these glaciers in numerical models. Here, we outline the current understanding of the internal properties of high-elevation debris-covered glaciers based on direct field-based methods and suggest future research directions for field-based studies.