The Stability of Ice-Dammed Lakes and other Water-Filled Holes in Glaciers

• Published in: Journal of Glaciology
• Main Author: Glen, J. W.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1954
• Subjects: Tulsequah; Tulsequah Lake; glacier; Iceland; Journal of Glaciology
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022143000025132; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0022143000025132

Abstract It is well known that an empty hole in a glacier will fill in if it is more than some 15 to 20 m. deep, due to the rapid variation of strain rate with shear stress. It is pointed out that a water-filled hole or lake will tend to enlarge itself by the same mechanism, if it is more than 150 to 200 m. deep. This phenomenon is believed to be responsible for the periodical and complete emptying of some glacier lakes, such as has been reported for the Tulsequah Lake in British Columbia, and Graenalón and Grilmsvötn in Iceland.