Firn Characterization of the Accumulation Zone of Kaskawulsh Glacier, Yukon Territory, Canada

While glacier mass balance studies allow investigation of the changing cryosphere, large ice sheets and remote, glaciated regions often lack the potential for detailed field studies. Remote sensing techniques are applied in mass balance studies, however, these methods are challenged because of their...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Ochwat, Naomi
Other Authors: Marshall, Shawn, Moorman, Brian J., Geldsetzer, Torsten, Shugar, Dan H.
Format: Master Thesis
Language:English
Published: Arts 2019
Subjects:
mountain glacier
firn core
densification
stable isotopes
ions
surface lowering
Geography
Geology
Physical Geography
Engineering > Environmental
Canada
Kaskawulsh Glacier
Yukon
glacier*
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/1880/110298
https://doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/36474
Description
Summary:While glacier mass balance studies allow investigation of the changing cryosphere, large ice sheets and remote, glaciated regions often lack the potential for detailed field studies. Remote sensing techniques are applied in mass balance studies, however, these methods are challenged because of their assumptions on density. In spring 2018, I extracted two firn cores (21 m and 36 m) from the accumulation zone of Kaskawulsh Glacier, St. Elias Mountains, Yukon and analyzed refrozen ice layers, snow densification processes, and isotopic and ionic signals. Meltwater percolation and refreezing events are evident in the cores through the quantity of ice layers, the presence of a perennial firn aquifer, and the altered isotope and glaciochemical signatures. These processes resulted in surface lowering of 10 cm/yr and washed out most of the isotope and ion seasonal signal. My study advances understanding in the dynamics of a changing accumulation zone in the St. Elias Icefields.

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