CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : De Krom, V. ; and Pollard, W.
Date : 1989
Title : An investigation of ground ice slumps, Herschel Island, Yukon Territory
Publication : Paper presented to the Canadian Association of Geographers, June 1989.
Issue :
Page(s) :
Abstract
This paper investigates the geomorphology of thermokarst on Herschel Island, Yukon Territory, and assesses its role in landscape development. In particular, it examines the formation and morphology of ground ice slumps. Field work was carried out in June and July, 1987 and 1988. Investigations involved (1) the documentation of ground ice slump distribution, setting and morphology, (2) the examination of the processes involved in formation and headwall retreat, and (3) the documentation of cryostratigraphic relationships and ground ice structures. The ground ice slumps examined occur predominantly on south-southeast facing slopes where ice-rich permafrost is exposed by mass wasting or fluvial and coastal erosion. The geomorphic processes operating within an active slump include; ablation of the ice-rich face, headwall collapse by block failure and mudflows within thawed supersaturated sediments in the slump floor. The average slump size is 9936 m2. Headwall retreat averaged 2.90 m over a two month study period; however, up to 4.60 m of retreat was documented for areas in which massive ice or ice-rich sediments were exposed. A variety of ice types were documented with ice contents ranging from 36% to 3000% (on a dry weight basis). This research will contribute to a better understanding of the processes associated with slump formation as well as expand our knowledge about ground ice and permafrost geomorphology for Herschel Island.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology