Les karsts sous-glaciaires et leurs relations avec le karst profond

Abstract

Summary. — With the discover of a large cave (length = 13 km) under the Columbia Icefield in Alberta (Canada), the existence of active subglacial karsts is now a proved fact (D.C. Ford, 1976). The study of proglacial karsts in Swiss Occidental Alps (Diablerets, Wildhorn), leaved by glaciers for a hundred of years, shows that superficial forms result from abrasion and quarrying, in a context of ancient « lapiés » (Riss-Würm). The estival melting waters of temperate glaciers are absorbed by privileged caves because channels are not obstructed with ice.