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TitleSpatial patterns of snow accumulation across Belcher Glacier, Devon Ice Cap, Nunavut, Canada
 
AuthorSylvestre, T; Copland, L; Demuth, M N; Sharp, M
SourceJournal of Glaciology vol. 59, no. 217, 2013 p. 874-882, https://doi.org/10.3189/2013JoG12J227 Open Access logo Open Access
Image
Year2013
Alt SeriesEarth Sciences Sector, Contribution Series 20110344
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP)
Documentserial
Lang.English
Mediapaper; on-line; digital
File formatpdf
ProvinceNunavut
NTS48H/10; 48H/11; 48H/14; 48H/15
AreaBelcher Glacier; Devon Ice Cap
Lat/Long WENS -83.0000 -81.0000 76.0000 75.5000
Subjectsenvironmental geology; Nature and Environment; radar probes; ground probing radar; radar imagery; glaciers; neutron well logging; snow; ice; ice conditions
Illustrationslocation maps; tables; core logs; satellite images
ProgramClimate Change Geoscience
Released2017 07 10
AbstractGround-penetrating radar (GPR) surveys at a center frequency of 500MHz were used to determine winter (2007/08) and net annual (2005-07) snow water equivalent (SWE) patterns across the upper parts of Belcher Glacier, Devon Ice Cap, Nunavut, Canada. The GPR measurements were validated against snow depths determined from avalanche probe measurements, and converted to SWE values using densities measured with a down-borehole neutron density probe and in shallow snow pits. Distinct internal reflection horizons (IRHs) in the GPR record were formed during warm summers in 2007 and 2005, and a large rain event in summer 2006 which caused ice to accumulate above the 2005 melt surface. Elevation provides the dominant control on winter SWE distribution across the basin, with surface topography (e.g. gullies) also being locally important. Based on the location where IRHs intersected the ice-cap surface, the basin-wide firn line occurred at an altitude of 1260-1300m over the period 2005-08. Net mass balance across the accumulation area of Belcher Glacier averaged 0.24mw.e. a-1 over the period 2005-07, mainly dependent on altitude. This is a little higher than most previous estimates for the period since the 1960s, although the differences lie within error limits.
GEOSCAN ID289842

 
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