Glacial drainage characteristics

Abstract

Glacial drainage is integrated between the supraglacial, englacial, and subglacial environments. Efforts to develop computer models to describe, explain, and predict glacial drainage have been limited by the availability of careful field measurements. Access to englacial and subglacial environments is especially difficult. Recent developments in field instrumentation are allowing greater access to the three-dimensional glacial drainage systems. Improved modeling will allow more accurate estimates of glacial water discharge for water supply and mitigation of outburst flooding.