Measuring glacier outflows using a computerized conductivity system

• Published in: Journal of Glaciology
• Main Author: Kite, Geoff
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1994
• Subjects: Earth-Surface Processes; Canada; Journal of Glaciology
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022143000003841; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0022143000003841

Abstract The traditional method of calculating glacier outflows by measuring velocities and areas is difficult, inaccurate and sometimes dangerous in fast mountain streams. The salt-dilution method offers a more accurate alternative but, until now, its use has been restricted because of the difficulty of mixing chemical solutions and measuring chemical concentrations in the field. A computer program has been written which uses a laptop microcomputer to control measurements of stream conductivity and which quickly computes the stream flow directly in the field. The development of this method is described and examples are presented of the application of the method for glaciers in the Rocky Mountains and the Coast Mountains of Canada.