CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Blake, E.W.
Date : 1992
Title : Surging glaciers in northern Canada
Publication : Student research in Canada's north : Proceedings of the Third National Student Conference on Northern Studies, Ottawa, October 23-24, 1991. Edited by Walter O. Kupsch and James F. Basinger. Musk-ox,
Issue : 39:
Page(s) : 102.
Abstract
Surging glaciers can pose a natural hazard by damming rivers, particularly in mountainous regions. Above such a dam valley floors become flooded and, when the dam breaks, the flood wave can cause problems downstream. There are several large surging glaciers in the St. Elias range that regularly cause flooding. It is widely accepted that glacier surging is caused by high pressure of subglacial water lifting the glacier off its bed, and thus allowing the glacier to flow rapidly downhill. This high water-pressure must result from the destruction or disabling of the normal subglacial drainage system. What is not understood is how this collapse is initiated and sustained during a surge. Studies undertaken at Trapridge Glacier, a small surging glacier in Kluane National park, St. Elias Range, have concentrated on investigating the relationship between water flow at the bed of the glacier and the deformation of the soft material underlying theglacier. Researchers to the University of British Columbia hope to discover the mechanism that triggers surges by observing the glacier as it approaches the surge phase of its 40-50 year cycle
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology