Glacier hydrology and the potential for subglacial karstification

Abstract

Contemporary models of subglacial hydrology identify two quasi-independent hydrologic systems at the bed of temperate alpine glaciers: a dendritic, low pressure conduit network and a more extensive, high pressure regelation film. Observations in Castleguard Cave beneath the Columbia Icefield suggest that this distinction continues into the groundwater system; the conduit waters draining through erosional shafts, and the film waters percolating through a network of fine cracks and fissures, depositing calcite when encountering the cave atmosphere. The depleted aggressiveness of glacial meltwater limits its potential for karst development, even if comparatively large discharges are involved. However, conduit waters arc capable of developing short lengths of cave passage during a glacial epoch. Such passages can develop as cross-links to pre-existing karst, and may appear anomalous in the post-glacial landscape. The hydrochemical nature of the regelation film is unknown, although some erosional evolution is probably occurring along the flow route. The regelation-percolation flow system may be important in the initiation of karst flow routes, although the nature of the regelation film prevents further development, and subsequent evolution must involve conduit waters. Subglacial karst is most likely to develop in elevated areas, beneath comparatively thin ice, around the firn line, rather than beneath valley glaciers or high under the upper accumulation zone. Karst may cause relatively low ice velocities and decrease glacial erosion rates.