An Investigation of Some Soil Polygons in Central Iceland

• Published in: Journal of Glaciology
• Main Author: Dybeck, M. W.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1957
• Subjects: Earth-Surface Processes; Langjökull; Ice cap; Iceland; Journal of Glaciology
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022143000024473; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0022143000024473

Abstract Near the edge of Langjökull ice cap there are many soil polygons. A cross-section showed them to be only surface features consisting of rocks in polygonal form embedded in silt. The area revealed much evidence that silt and small rocks often behaved like a liquid upon which heavier rocks would float. If the floating heavier rocks were pushed down into the “liquid,” mud would, in certain circumstances, ooze up a metre or so away. If a number of rocks were depressed the mud would ooze at points roughly equidistant from a few of the rocks, and spread to leave a polygon pattern. Conditions favourable for the sinking of heavy stones in this manner probably occur each spring.