Formation of “Blue” Glacier Ice by Horizontal Compressive Forces

• Published in: Journal of Glaciology
• Main Authors: Crary, A. P., Charles, R. Wilson
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1961
• Subjects: Blue Glacier; Ross Ice Shelf; Skelton Glacier; Antarc*; Antarctica; Ice Shelf; Journal of Glaciology
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022143000017445; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0022143000017445

Abstract Data are supplied to show that the “blue” surface ice zone encountered in the Skelton Glacier, Antarctica, results from horizontal compressive forces. Examples of the densification of surface snows of the Ross Ice Shelf by this means are also given. Such density changes should be expected in any area where either of the principal horizontal strain-rates is negative.