Measurement of Outflow from a Snowbank with Basal Ice

• Published in: Journal of Glaciology
• Main Authors: Young, Kathy L., Lewkowicz, Antoni G.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1988
• Subjects: Earth-Surface Processes; Canada; Journal of Glaciology; Melville Island
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022143000007140; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0022143000007140

Abstract A technique is described for measuring melt-water outflow from snowbanks that develop a basal ice layer. The method involves excavation of channels across ice exposed at the lower edge of a snowbank in order to divert run-off into a portable flume. Since discharges are measured before the water comes into contact with the soil, sub-surface flow and soil-moisture changes do not have to be assessed. Outflow discharges recorded at a perennial snowbank site on Melville Island, N.W.T., Canada, compare favourably with energy-balance calculations and measurements of ablation.