Geocryological processes linked to High Arctic proglacial stream suspended sediment dynamics: examples from Bylot Island, Nunavut, and Spitsbergen, Svalbard

Abstract

AbstractRecent research has identified differences in processes contributing to suspended sediment concentration (SSC) dynamics in proglacial streams between High Arctic and alpine catchments, but does not examine processes explicitly linked to the periglacial environment. Three glacierized basins were studied: Austre Brøggerbreen and Midre Lovénbreen, Svalbard (79°N, 12°E) and Glacier B28, unofficially named Stagnation Glacier, Bylot Island, Nunavut (73°N, 78°W). SSC variations were modelled from continuous turbidity, discharge and meteorological data throughout the summer months. Three statistical tools were utilized: principal component analysis, change‐point analysis and multivariate regression. These are shown to be effective in identifying subperiods of distinctive geocryological and glaciofluvial characteristics. Multivariate regression for the subseasons included autoregressive integrated moving‐average modelling, and showed that SSC variations were related not only to discharge variability, but also to fluctuations in energy fluxes. The results are interpreted in terms of spatio‐temporal changes in sediment mobilization and supply associated with changes in the relative importance of fluvial, glacial and periglacial processes. This evidence supports the notion of important linkages between glacial, fluvial and periglacial systems, but exemplifies distinct variability between High Arctic glaciers. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.