Glacimarine sedimentation processes at Kronebreen and Kongsvegen, Svalbard

• DOI: 10.3189/002214311798043708
• Publication Date: 2011-10-31T14:25:41Z
• Authors: Laura M. Kehrl; Robert L. Hawley; Ross D. Powell; Julie Brigham-Grette
• Keywords: Tidewater glacier cycle; Sedimentation; Fjord; Tidewater; Glacier terminus; Iceberg; Glacier ice accumulation

Abstract Tidewater glaciers deposit sediment at their terminus, thereby reducing the relative water depth. Reduced depth can lead to increased glacier stability through decreased rates of iceberg calving, thinning and submarine melting. Here we investigate sedimentation processes termini Kronebreen Kongsvegen, Svalbard. We mapped fjord floor bathymetry in August 2009 calculate based on our that from a similar study 2005. A grounding-line fan is developing near current position subglacial stream. An older, abandoned likely formed between ∼1987 2001 degrading middle ice front. Our findings indicate gravity flows reduce height mound forming terminus. The future impact glacimarine will depend net balance observed deposition.