Abstract
AbstractMeltwaters were collected in Switzerland at the border of two alpine glaciers, the Tsanfleuron glacier resting on limestones and the Tsijiore Nouve glacier flowing over gneissic rocks. Waters were analysed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry for the four major cations.Cation exchange appears to be an essential mechanism in the explanation of the dissolved cationic content of meltwaters in the frontal zone of glaciers. This is indicated by a study of the rate and characteristics of water enrichment.The rate‐determining step in the process seems to be film diffusion. The influence of this diffusion is put forward in an analysis of the rates of change in concentration of the four major cations with discharge.Glacier grinding is considered as a factor favouring cation exchange in a proglacial environment.
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