Name
The impacts of meltwater influx on glacier dynamics and surging in the St. Elias Mountains
Description
The St Elias Mountains, found in the Yukon-Alaska region, contain one of the largest clusters of surging glaciers in the world. The dynamics of a surge-type glacier oscillate between periods of little to no activity and surge phases, where the glacier velocities and discharge increase dramatically for a short period of time, driven by a buildup of pressure in the subglacial hydrological system. Changes in the supraglacial hydrological system impacts the distribution of sinks connecting the supraglacial to the subglacial system, influencing when and where meltwater is feeding the subglacial pressure buildup.
Changes in the supraglacial hydrological system on Nàłùdäy Glacier from 2010 to 2024 are analysed using a range of remote sensing techniques and compared to glacier velocity data during the most recent quiescent-surge cycle. The most recent surge is identified using speckle and offset tracking of satellite imagery. Optical and synthetic aperture radar imagery are processed to delineate supraglacial streams, lakes, moulins and crevasses. Satellite imagery is validated using high resolution photogrammetry and in-situ glacier velocity measurements.
Understanding where and when water flowing in supraglacial systems pressurizes the basal hydrological system on surging glaciers will allow for more comprehensive understanding and modeling of the driving mechanisms behind glacier surges. Accurate modeling will better quantify the implications of glacier surges on sea level rise at a global scale.
Changes in the supraglacial hydrological system on Nàłùdäy Glacier from 2010 to 2024 are analysed using a range of remote sensing techniques and compared to glacier velocity data during the most recent quiescent-surge cycle. The most recent surge is identified using speckle and offset tracking of satellite imagery. Optical and synthetic aperture radar imagery are processed to delineate supraglacial streams, lakes, moulins and crevasses. Satellite imagery is validated using high resolution photogrammetry and in-situ glacier velocity measurements.
Understanding where and when water flowing in supraglacial systems pressurizes the basal hydrological system on surging glaciers will allow for more comprehensive understanding and modeling of the driving mechanisms behind glacier surges. Accurate modeling will better quantify the implications of glacier surges on sea level rise at a global scale.