The Response of Fjord Glaciers to Changes in the Firn Limit

• Published in: Journal of Glaciology
• Main Author: Mercer, J. H.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1961
• Subjects: Earth-Surface Processes; Journal of Glaciology
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022143000027222; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0022143000027222

Abstract Glaciers in fjords almost always reach standstill positions at the fjord mouths or at changes in their width. Between such positions the terminus is usually advancing or retreating: the advance may be anomalous compared to glaciers on dry land in the vicinity, and the retreat may be catastrophically rapid. These peculiarities of fjord glaciers can be at least partly explained by considering conditions to be expected in an ideal fjord of constant width: the glacier cannot reach equilibrium by changing the extent of its ablation area or its calving terminus, and these cannot change their altitude with respect to sea-level in response to a rise or fall in the firn limit.