CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Andrews, J.T.; and Webber, P.J.
Date : 1969
Title : Lichenometry to evaluate glacier mass budgets: as illustrated from north central Baffin Island, NWT
Publication : Arctic and Alpine Research
Issue : 1(3):
Page(s) : 181-194
Abstract
Direct measurement of the growth of Alectoria minuscula over 4.3 growing seasons enables a further assessment to be made on the value of lichenometry around the Barnes Ice Cap. Detailed lichen sampling in two formerly glacierized valleys allows isophyses to be drawn for specific diameters of A. minuscula. The gradients of the isophyses are similar to those of lateral glacial features. These reconstructions define ice margins from about 1650 A.D. to the present time and enable glacier changes in length, area, and volume to be estimated for the Lewis and Pintail glaciers. Local differences in the trend of area or volume loss are explained by differences in deglacial history. Specific ablation for the expanded Lewis Glacier below the 500m ice contour averaged about 1.5 m ice equivalent per year, a value not dissimilar to those determined on the present glacier of about 1.3 m ice equivalent. Sampling over extended distances on substrates of similar age around the Barnes Ice Cap indicates comparable maximum lichen diameters are present. The value of lichenometry in arctic areas is reaffirmed.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology