Observations on the Quasi-Viscous Behaviour of Ice in a Tunnel in the Z’mutt Glacier

Abstract It is suggested that both discontinuous shearing and continuous flow (creep) may coexist in one and the same glacier, provided the stress is high enough for the shear resistance to be reached. Experiments made in a tunnel in the Z’Mutt Glacier suggest that all the motion here observed was c...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of Glaciology
Main Author: Haefeli, R.
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1952
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Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022143000033979
https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0022143000033979
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Summary:Abstract It is suggested that both discontinuous shearing and continuous flow (creep) may coexist in one and the same glacier, provided the stress is high enough for the shear resistance to be reached. Experiments made in a tunnel in the Z’Mutt Glacier suggest that all the motion here observed was continuous, and also show that the viscosity is influenced by the stress conditions. A series of tests made by forcing a ball into the ice also enabled estimates of the viscosity and melting pressure to be made and emphasized the importance of melting in glacier flow.