The Glaciers of Jan Mayen

• Published in: Journal of Glaciology
• Main Authors: Kinsman, D. J. J., Sheard, J. W.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1963
• Subjects: Earth-Surface Processes; Jan Mayen; Rime; Beerenberg; Journal of Glaciology
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022143000027854; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0022143000027854

Abstract A descriptive account of the glaciers of Jan Mayen is given, based on the results of two recent University of London expeditions. The positions of most of the glacier snouts are compared with previous records and a general advance of the ice margin is reported. The discovery of massive tillite deposits low down in the volcanic sequence is thought to confirm the post-Pleistocene origin of the present Beerenberg mountain. An outline of the geological and topographical evolution of the mountain is related to the history of its glaciation. Three major advances of the ice margin are described, the most recent having taken place within the last 350 years. The transient nature of high-altitude rime structures is demonstrated.