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Characterization and interpretation of polythermal structure in two subarctic glaciers

Resource type
Thesis type
(Thesis) M.Sc.
Date created
2012-11-29
Authors/Contributors
Author (aut): Wilson, Nathaniel
Abstract
I use ice-penetrating radar to probe the thermal structure in two small glaciers in the Saint Elias Range, southwestern Yukon. I develop processing workflows to separate bed and englacial reflections in radar and use these to build maps of both bed topography and englacial scattering. Comparison with borehole data shows that englacial scattering occurs in ice at the freezing point. The pattern in thermal structure suggests that the observed regime is dominated by accumulation zone processes. I develop a numerical model to simulate steady and time-dependent thermal regimes in glaciers. Diagnostic simulations support the hypothesis that meltwater entrapment is a critical control on the observed structure. Sensitivity tests suggest a climate sensitivity such that thinning and retreat of the near-surface aquifer may dramatically alter the thermal structure. Prognostic simulations illustrate scenarios in which these polythermal glaciers may cool as climate warms in the future.
Document
Identifier
etd7550
Copyright statement
Copyright is held by the author.
Permissions
The author granted permission for the file to be printed and for the text to be copied and pasted.
Scholarly level
Supervisor or Senior Supervisor
Thesis advisor (ths): Flowers, Gwenn
Member of collection
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etd7550_NWilson.pdf 14.79 MB

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