Measurements of ice deformation at the confluence area of Unteraargletscher Bernese Alps, Switzerland

• Published in: Journal of Glaciology
• Main Authors: Gudmundsson, G. Hilmar, Iken, Almut, Funk, Martin
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1997
• Subjects: Earth-Surface Processes; Journal of Glaciology
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022143000035152; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0022143000035152

Abstract An experimental study of ice deformation at the confluence area of Unteraargletscher, Bernese Alps, Switzerland, has been carried out. Surface velocities were measured by repeatedly surveying stakes and with the use of remote-sensing methods. The variation of the vertical strain rates with depth was measured in boreholes. The confluence center line is subjected to longitudinal horizontal extension, which is exceeded in magnitude by a concomitant transverse compression. Vertical strain rates change from positive (extension) at the surface to negative (compression) in the lowest layers of the glacier.