The Helheim Glacier is a huge outlet glacier of Greenland’s ice sheet. Clear blue melt water collects in the depressions on its ice surface. The flow of the Helheim Glacier has accelerated since 2000. Between the beginning of 2000 and 2005, the glacier’s rate of flow increased from 8 km to 11 km per year. In addition, the glacier has thinned considerably. Scientists have been discussing the role of melt water in the flowing process. If the melt water reaches the bottom of the ice layer, it can work like a lubricant and support the flowing. If it is captured in the ice mass and freezes, then its volume increases and consequently raises the pressure within the ice mass. Both effects intensify the motion and the acceleration of the ice mass.
TITLE |
MELT WATER ON HELHEIM GLACIER, EAST GREENLAND |
LOCATION |
Angmassalik region, East Geenland |
DATE |
August 2007 |
HEIGHT |
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TECHNIC |
Hasselblad Digital Camera |
FORMAT |
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REMARK |
aerial image |
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