Glacier slip and seismicity induced by surface melt

Peter L. Moore, J. Paul Winberry, Neal R. Iverson, Knut A. Christianson, Sridhar Anandakrishnan, Miriam Jackson, Mark E. Mathison, Denis Cohen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

Many of the key processes governing fast glacier flow involve nteraction between a glacier and its basal hydrological system, which is hidden from direct observation. Passive seismic monitoring has shown promise as a tool for remotely monitoring basal processes, but lack of glacier-bed access prevents clear understanding of the relationships between subglacial processes and corresponding seismic emissions. Here we describe direct measurements of basal hydrology, sliding, and broadband seismicity made in a unique subglacial facility in Norway during the onset of two summer melt seasons. In the most pronounced of these episodes, rapid delivery of surface meltwater to the bed briefly enhanced basal slip following a period of elevated high-frequency seismic activity related to surface crevassing. Subsequent ground tilt derived from ultralong-period seismic signals was associated with subglacial bedrock deformation during transient pressurization of the basal hydraulic system. These signals are interpreted to represent hydraulic jacking as thesupply of water to the bed exceeded the capacity of the hydraulic system. Enhanced slip terminated 2.5 h after it started, when icebed decoupling or increased connectivity in the basal cavity network relieved cavity overpressure. The results support theoretical models for hydraulic jacking and illustrate how melt-induced increases in speed can be short lived if cavity growth or ice-bed decoupling allows basal water more efficient drainage.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1247-1250
Number of pages4
JournalGeology
Volume41
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2013

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Geology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Glacier slip and seismicity induced by surface melt'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this