Formation of crevasse-squeeze ridges at Trygghamna, Svalbard
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Crevasse-squeeze ridges (CSRs) are landforms that have been unequivocally linked to surge-type glaciers. The formation of CSRs has been discussed since they were first defined in the mid-1980s. Here, we describe geometric CSR networks from the terrestrial glacier forefields of two glaciers in Trygghamna, Western Svalbard. No glacier surges have been observed in Trygghamna; however, the presence of the CSRs signifies past surge activity. Detailed geomorphological maps were constructed, and the spatial context of these landforms described. Cross-sections of several CSRs highlight ridge architecture, structure and relationships to surrounding landforms and sediments. Most CSRs are symmetrical in cross-profile, orientated perpendicular or oblique to the ice-flow direction. Like previous investigations, we observe these ridge networks on top of till and flutes. Additionally, we, for the first time, document CSRs deposited directly on non-glaciogenic subsurfaces, namely, beach gravels and bedrock. Our findings confirm previous CSR formation theories; basal sediments are squeezed into bottom-up crevasses during surges, which are subsequently transported englacially until surge termination and are finally released by melt out from stagnant ice. Consequently, a network of CSRs is the product of a significant reorganisation and down-glacier transport of basal sediment, exemplifying how single surges are agents of glacial sediment redistribution. These formation processes are illustrated in a refined schematic model. The results further contemporary understanding of CSRs in terrestrial surge-type glacier settings and may also apply to landforms and sediments in certain marine settings and palaeoglacial environments.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Earth Surface Processes and Landforms |
Volume | 48 |
Issue number | 12 |
Pages (from-to) | 2334-2348 |
Number of pages | 15 |
ISSN | 0197-9337 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2023 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
- crevasse fill ridges, crevasse-squeeze ridges, glacier retreat, landform formation, ridge networks, subglacial processes, surging glacier, Svalbard
Research areas
ID: 357050536