Articles | Volume 12, issue 3
https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-727-2024
© Author(s) 2024. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-727-2024
© Author(s) 2024. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Stream hydrology controls on ice cliff evolution and survival on debris-covered glaciers
Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA
Regine Hock
Department of Geosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA
Michael G. Loso
Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve, National Park Service, Copper Center, AK, USA
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Short summary
Ice cliffs are melt hot spots that increase melt rates on debris-covered glaciers which otherwise see a reduction in melt rates. In this study, we show how surface runoff streams contribute to the generation, evolution, and survival of ice cliffs by carving into the glacier and transporting rocky debris. On Kennicott Glacier, Alaska, 33 % of ice cliffs are actively influenced by streams, while nearly half are within 10 m of streams.
Ice cliffs are melt hot spots that increase melt rates on debris-covered glaciers which...