Post-little ice age glacial geomorphology of contrasting topographic settings at Skálafellsjökull, southeast Iceland

• Published in: Journal of Maps
• Main Authors: Sarah Walton, Robert Storrar, Naomi Holmes, Jonathan Bridge, Marek Ewertowski, Aleksandra Tomczyk, Andrew Jones
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2024
• Subjects: Skálafellsjökull; little ice age; glacier retreat; moraines; topography; Maps; G3180-9980; glacier; Iceland
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1080/17445647.2024.2329163; https://doaj.org/article/0e75c7fed9274f41a169c09032554f61

Glacial geomorphological mapping from the southern margin of Skálafellsjökull, southeast Iceland, depicts a topographically diverse mountainside, influencing glacier dynamics, landform formation and glacier retreat since the Little Ice Age maximum in ∼1890. The glacial landforms present are typical of southeast Icelandic temperate glaciers, comprising recessional push moraines, including sawtooth moraines, and associated fluting. Study area A demonstrates an abandoned lobe confined by steep V-shaped topography, displaying moraines and minimal fluting, suggesting low preservation of landforms, and changes in glacier behaviour. At study area B, the sawtooth moraine morphology demonstrates changes in the glacier margin as the ice interacted with a series of topographic benches during active recession. The steep-sided valley at study area C illustrates densely spaced arcuate moraines, reflecting subtle changes in ice elevation. This mapping provides a framework for further investigations into glacier retreat rates and the influence of local topography and climate.