CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Boon, S.; Lewis, D.H.; and Smith, D.J.
Date : 1999
Title : Hydrological and hydrochemical characteristics of an alpine meltwater stream, Hilda Glacier, Canadian Rocky Mountains, Alberta.
Publication : Program and Abstracts. 42nd Annual Meeting of the Western Division of the Canadian Association of Geographers, Okanagan University College, Kelowna, British Columbia, March 11 to 13, 1999
Issue :
Page(s) :
Abstract
Discharge, stage, and suspended and dissolved load patterns during early July of 1998 are described for a stream emerging from Hilda Glacier (117° 10'W, 52° 11' N), a small southeast-facing cirque glacier near the Columbia Icefield, northern Banff National Park, Canadian Rocky Mountains. The results are used to enhanced our appreciation of the chemical and transport processes at work in an alpine meltwater stream, and to infer internal characteristics of the glacial drainage system. The daily discharge pattern at Hilda Glacier is one of early morning low flows, peak flows by late afternoon, and decreasing flows towards nightfall. Suspended sediment loads are high during periods of high melt, while moderate rainfall events significantly increase water levels and corresponding discharges. Dissolved loads carried by the stream are relatively low. High discharge events are accompanied by noteworthy decreases in electrical conductivity and substantial increases in stream ion concentrations. These observations point to the existence of disconnected englacial or subglacial cavities retaining meltwater released during the spring melt flux. The transient appearance of these ions during periods of high streamflow suggests that the subglacial drainage network at Hilda Glacier continues to evolve through the summer ablation season, resulting in a characteristic flushing of englacial/subglacial cavities. Our observations and analysis of the geochemical characteristics of meltwater emerging from Hilda Glacer bring into question the ability of chemical analyses to provide an accurate assessment of dissolved loads in glacierized settings.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology