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The structural glaciology of Kongsvegen, Svalbard, and its role in landform genesis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 January 2017

Neil F. Glasser ,
Michael J. Hambrey ,
Kevin R. Crawford ,
Matthew R. Bennett  and
David Huddart
Neil F. Glasser
Affiliation:
School of Biological and Earth Sciences, Liverpool John Moors University, Byrom Street, Liverpool L3 3AF, England
Michael J. Hambrey
Affiliation:
Institute of Geography and Earth Sciences, University of Wales, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY23 3DB, Wales
Kevin R. Crawford
Affiliation:
Department of Environmental and Biological Studies, Liverpool Hope University College, Hope Park, Liverpool L16 9JD, England
Matthew R. Bennett
Affiliation:
School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Greenwich, Medway Campus, Chatham Maritime, Kent ME4 4AW, England
David Huddart
Affiliation:
School of Education and Community Studies, Liverpool John Moores University, I. M. Marsh Campus, Liverpool L17 6BD, England
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Abstract

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Mapping of the structural glaciology of Kongsvegen, Svalbard, reveals evidence for four main deformational structures. These are stratification, longitudinal foliation, thrusts and crevasse traces. These structures are considered in terms of their contribution to debris entrainment, transport and subsequent landform development. Stratification is associated with small amounts of supraglacial debris that has been folded with flow-parallel axes; longitudinal foliation in places incorporates basal glacial sediments along folds with flow-parallel axes; and thrusts transport basal debris to the glacier surface. Crevasse traces are not significant in terms of debris entrainment. The entrainment of basal debris along longitudinal foliation is not a universally recognised process. At Kongsvegen this process is attributed to the development of a transposition foliation, in combination with incorporation of debris-rich basal ice or soft basal sediment in the fold complex. Mapping of the landforms in the proglacial area shows that debris incorporated along longitudinal foliation is released as “foliation-parallel ridges” and that transverse ridges mark debris-bearing thrusts. The role of longitudinal foliation in landform development has never been documented in this manner. Although the preservation potential of such ridges may be limited, recognition of foliation-parallel ridges in the Pleistocene landform record has important implications for the interpretation of the dynamics of former ire masses.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Glaciology , Volume 44 , Issue 146 , 1998 , pp. 136 - 148
Copyright
Copyright © International Glaciological Society 1998

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