Variations in Time and Space of the Velocity of Lower Columbia Glacier, Alaska

• Published in: Journal of Glaciology
• Main Author: Meier, Mark F.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1979
• Subjects: Earth-Surface Processes; glacier; Journal of Glaciology; Alaska
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022143000030057; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0022143000030057

Abstract Ice velocity, acceleration, and strain-rate are being measured at intervals of about 45 d using automated processing of aerial photographs. Preliminary results for the lowest 6 km of Columbia Glacier for the period July 1976 to November 1977 show the following: (1) High rates of flow (2–6 m/d) and longitudinal extension (occasionally exceeding 1/a). (2) A smooth, almost sinusoidal change in velocity 6 km above the terminus from about 2 m/d in August 1976 and 1977 to about 3 m/d in February–March 1977. (3) Very rapid increases in velocity near the terminus in October 1976 and September–October 1977 which follow embayment formation (increased iceberg calving). (4) A suggestion that the rapid velocity increases propagate up-glacier for 3–4 km before becoming unrecognizable. (5) Seasonal changes in velocity (which presumably relate to basal sliding) ranging from about 1 m/d 6 km above the terminus to about 4 m/d near the terminus.