Classification of glacial seafloor features in north east Greenland continental shelf based on bathymetric data

• Main Author: Matahelemual, Dhira A.
• Format: Thesis
• Language: unknown
• Published: 2014
• Subjects: Greenland; East Greenland; Ice Sheet
• Online Access: https://epic.awi.de/id/eprint/35950/; https://hdl.handle.net/10013/epic.43877

Bathymetric survey of expeditions by RV Polarstern and RRS James Clark Ross show glacial seafloor features on North East Greenland Continental Shelf. The features are forms of lineations, transverse ridges, winding ridges and scours. Bathymetric Position Index grid and hillshade grid of multibeam echo sounders data enhance the seafloor visualization for interpretation of the features. The interpreted features are given classifications of mega-scale lineations, moraines, eskers and iceberg scours. The farthest feature located near the shelf break indicates that the Greenland Ice Sheet in North East Greenland extends till there. This finding is an annex to previous studies mentioning Greenland Ice Sheet covered the inner-middle continental shelf of North East Greenland based on seafloor morphology and covered till the shelf edge based on sedimentological studies. Glacial seafloor features also reveal the glacial dynamics present. Bathymetric data map mega-scale lineations along Westwind Troughs and the Intra-troughs. Their presence indicate former ice streams along the troughs. The ice stream in Westwind Trough is retreating due to evidence of moraines located there. Eskers also reveal an act of ice surge in Westwind Trough. Icebergs scours are abundant in shallow banks and near the shelf break.