A Snow-bank Push Mechanism for the Formation of Some “Annual” Moraine Ridges

Abstract Ice-marginal features in South Georgia include minor moraine ridges running approximately parallel to the ice margin and developed as superficial forms in various depths of till. It is suggested that these developed as ice-contact landforms, some being created by the interaction of the ice...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of Glaciology
Main Author: Birnie, Richard V.
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1977
Subjects:
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022143000021535
https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0022143000021535
Description
Summary:Abstract Ice-marginal features in South Georgia include minor moraine ridges running approximately parallel to the ice margin and developed as superficial forms in various depths of till. It is suggested that these developed as ice-contact landforms, some being created by the interaction of the ice edge and abutting marginal snow bank, whilst the glacier is advancing. This advance is essentially short-term, being part of a seasonal variation in the position of the ice margin. “Snow-bank push” is the term proposed to describe this mechanism of ridge formation.