Abstract
Among the processes that may entrain sediment in the bases of glaciers and ice sheets, basal ice may regelate downward into the pores of unlithified sediment. Laboratory studies suggest that this process leaves interstitial ice with a distribution of δ18O and δD that is distinct from that developed due to downward freezing of a semi‐closed water reservoir. Although as a result of both processes these isotopes lie on a freezing slope in a δD‐δ18O diagram, debris layers entrained by regelation past grains are both enriched in heavy isotopes with depth and display a downward decrease in deuterium excess, the converse of that due to downward freezing of a water reservoir. Moreover, the extent of enrichment can be significantly larger in the case of regelation into the bed. Reevaluated field data from West Greenland are consistent with regelation into the bed as an entrainment mechanism.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
