A Kinematic Wave Model of Glacier Surges

• Published in: Journal of Glaciology
• Main Author: Palmer, Andrew C.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1972
• Subjects: Earth-Surface Processes; Journal of Glaciology
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022143000022504; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0022143000022504

Abstract The existing theory of kinematic waves on glaciers does not account for self-induced instability of the flow, or for surges which are not the result of external disturbances. Surges do however have much in common with kinematic waves. Unstable behaviour of glaciers can be explained by a straightforward modification of kinematic wave theory. In this modification the relation between the ice flow and the ice depth is not the same when the ice is accelerating as when it is slowing down. A similar effect has previously been shown to explain observed instabilities in the flow of highway traffic, a phenomenon which is otherwise adequately described by a simple kinematic wave theory.