SLIDING OF NON-TEMPERATE GLACIERS.

• Main Author: Weertman,J.
• Other Authors: COLD REGIONS RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING LAB HANOVER N H
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 1966
• Subjects: Snow; Ice and Permafrost; (*GLACIERS; MOTION); MELTING; CREEP; VELOCITY; FRICTION; SHEAR STRESSES; THERMAL PROPERTIES; Ice; permafrost
• Online Access: http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/AD0647272; http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=AD0647272

It is shown that the temperature gradient normal to the bed is an important parameter in determining whether sliding can or cannot occur in a glacier whose bottom surface is at the melting point. Only if a large temperature gradient exists will sliding be prevented. Since the temperature gradient of a glacier whose bottom surface is at the melting point is expected to be small, it is concluded that sliding usually will occur in such a glacier even if obstacles in the bed may protrude into cold ice. (Author)