Structural glaciology

Abstract

Structural glaciology involves the investigation through mapping and 3-D analysis of the structures observed within glaciers. Analysis follows a structural geological approach on the grounds that glacier ice deforms in a manner resembling processes occurring in metamorphic rocks close to the melting temperature. The original primary structure comprises stratification of snow, firn, and ice in the accumulation area. Secondary structures include both brittle and ductile forms. Of these, brittle structures include crevasses, crevasse traces, faults, and thrusts; whereas ductile structures include foliation, folding, and boudinage. Structural glaciology is of fundamental importance in evaluating debris entrainment and transfer, and the subsequent deposition of sediment as landforms.