The Development of Supraglacial Stream Canyons ...

• Main Author: St Germain, Sarah
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: unknown
• Published: Arts 2021
• Subjects: Glaciology; Supraglacial stream; Canyon; Physical Geography; Bylot Island; Fountain Glacier
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.11575/prism/38690; https://prism.ucalgary.ca/handle/1880/113173

Supraglacial streams can dramatically into the glacier surface. On Fountain Glacier, Bylot Island, two large supraglacial streams have formed unique canyons. Supraglacial stream canyons have only been mentioned in the literature on a few occasions and process-level understanding is lacking. The aim of this research is to determine the processes impacting formation, time-scale of development, and distribution of supraglacial stream canyons. This was accomplished through three complementary studies: 1) an examination of short-term development of supraglacial streams, particularly in reference to surface, incised, and canyon stream formation; 2) an investigation of medium-term canyon meandering and erosion development and; 3) a determination of factors controlling worldwide canyon distribution, and a prediction of future distribution. These projects utilize high-resolution imagery collected on Fountain Glacier over time, and optical satellite imagery to map worldwide distribution of supraglacial stream canyons. ...