Direct Measurement of Basal Water Pressures: a Pilot Study

• Published in: Journal of Glaciology
• Main Author: Hodge, Steven M.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1976
• Subjects: Earth-Surface Processes; Cascade Glacier; Journal of Glaciology
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022143000031543; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0022143000031543

Abstract Bore-hole drilling techniques have been used to connect with the subglacial water system of the temperate South Cascade Glacier. The water level in a connecting bore hole probably represents a direct measurement of the basal water pressure over an area at least to m in extent. Fluctuations of up to 40 m in bore-hole water levels occur typically over periods of several days and often peak about 2 d after large changes in water input at the glacier surface. The long-term trend in bore-hole water levels supports the idea of seasonal storage and release of liquid water.