CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Darling, S.; and Jiskoot, H.
Date : 2007.
Title : Tributary-trunk glacier interaction classification in the St Elias Mountains, Yukon Territory, from satellite imagery.
Publication : Annual Meeting, Western Division of the Canadian Association of Geographers, March 8-10, 2007. University College of the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford, British Columbia.
Issue : Program and Abstract Volume.
Page(s) : 23-24.
Abstract
Remote sensing studies of ASTER images of select tributary-trunk interactions in the Yukon Territory (Kargel et al., 2005) led to a classification of tributary-trunk relations on the basis of ice flow activity ratios, suggesting that tributary-trunk interactions depend on activity and size ratio, entrance angle, slope, depth and tributary entrance location. We analyzed a preliminary set of 120 Yukon glaciers with tributary-trunk interaction, using ASTER, Landsat7, map and glacier inventory data, to determine the magnitudes and ranges of these factors. Data visualization and simple statistical analysis were used to detect correlations in glacial attributes, which revealed general patterns in tributary-trunk relationships. Based on this first round of calculations, rudimentary conclusions about the effects of these tributary-trunk characteristics on their interaction potential can be made for the context of the larger data set. Using our findings and Kargel et al’s classification framework, the dynamic effects of fragmentation of glacier systems as a result of global warming can be assessed from satellite images and airphotos, and tributaries with the potential to obstruct trunk outflow, likely important for surging behaviour (a poorly understood flow instability), can be quantitatively evaluated.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology