Karst Topography on Stagnant Glaciers

• Published in: Journal of Glaciology
• Main Author: Clayton, Lee
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1964
• Subjects: glacier; glaciers; Journal of Glaciology; Alaska
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022143000028628; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0022143000028628

Abstract Karst topography may occur on stagnant, drift-covered parts of glaciers such as the Martin River Glacier in south-central Alaska. Glacial karst features there include ice sink-holes, tunnels, caves, sinking streams, blind valleys, large springs, natural bridges, lapiés, hums, and residual “soils” or ablation till. The glacial karst cycle is essentially the same as the limestone karat cycle. Glacial karst is rare today but was widespread on stagnant glaciers in areas such as the northern Great Plains of North America in late Wisconsin time.