The glacier–rock glacier mountain landsystem: an example from North Iceland

• Main Author: Whalley, W. Brian
• Format: Dataset
• Language: unknown
• Published: Taylor & Francis 2021
• Subjects: 29999 Physical Sciences not elsewhere classified; FOS Physical sciences; 59999 Environmental Sciences not elsewhere classified; FOS Earth and related environmental sciences; 39999 Chemical Sciences not elsewhere classified; FOS Chemical sciences; Ecology; FOS Biological sciences; 20199 Astronomical and Space Sciences not elsewhere classified; 69999 Biological Sciences not elsewhere classified; Cancer; Glacier Mountain; Nautárdalur; glacier; Ice; ice core; Iceland; permafrost
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.16915360.v1; https://tandf.figshare.com/articles/dataset/The_glacier_rock_glacier_mountain_landsystem_an_example_from_North_Iceland/16915360/1

A valley floor rock glacier in Nautárdalur, eastern Tröllaskagi, northern Iceland, has been investigated since the 1970s. Adjacent valleys are also examined as mountain landsystems. The methodology identifies ‘landform elements’ (features evident on slopes) on transects that can be identified and mapped from Google Earth imagery. Transects can be compared to show similarities and differences between slopes and valleys and can be used to trace debris and ice/snow flow paths within landsystems. The paper confirms that a glacier ice core is present throughout the Nautárdalur rock glacier. Traces of glacier activity can be found in some neighbouring small valleys but where rock glaciers are not present. Previous field observations, when coupled to current Google Earth imagery, indicate glacier ice formation and deformation over the past 200 years. The quantities and timing of weathered debris from headwall cliffs were sufficient to partly cover small glaciers, thus forming rock glaciers in some, but not all, valleys. The landsystem and transect approach thus indicate glacier origins for the rock glaciers identified. No evidence for ‘permafrost creep’ in scree slopes that might produce valley-side rock glaciers has been found.