Bathymetry of Schirmacher lakes as a tool for geomorphological evolution studies

Abstract

AbstractThe spatial distribution of polar lakes is governed by the lithology and structure of the geological units, whereas their shape and size is modified by later fluctuations of the polar ice sheet and glacier movements. Polar lakes are the downwards integrator of the sediment action in their catchment areas. Bathymetric profiles of some proglacial, land-locked and epi-shelf lakes spread across the Schirmacher Oasis were obtained during the austral winter period of 2008 using ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to understand their evolution through space and time. Morphometric characteristics of these lakes show different depth ratios and they have different surface areas and volume proportions with depth. This study shows that the largest land-locked lake, L-49, appears to have been formed by the fusion of three sub-basins. Some of the proglacial lakes which are becoming detached from the polar ice sheet, such as lake P-11, are kettle lakes. Water from the polar ice-sheet melt has been accumulating at these lake basins, but no further aggradation processes have affected them. Some of the larger lakes such as lakes L-27, L-49 and P-9 are reworked lakes which evolved during a phase of glacial advancement and were later modified during another advancement phase. The other larger lakes such as lake E-14, E-15 and L-75 are very deep and were produced by the glacial activity associated with some weak structural fabric.