Rock glacier dynamics and paleoclimatic implications

Abstract

Research Article| December 01, 1999 Rock glacier dynamics and paleoclimatic implications S. K. Konrad; S. K. Konrad 1Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming 82071, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar N. F. Humphrey; N. F. Humphrey 1Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming 82071, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar E. J. Steig; E. J. Steig 2Department of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar D. H. Clark; D. H. Clark 3Geology Department, Western Washington University, Bellingham, Washington 98225-9080, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar N. Potter, Jr; N. Potter, Jr 4Department of Geology, Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar W. T. Pfeffer W. T. Pfeffer 5Institute for Arctic and Alpine Research, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309-0450, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Geology (1999) 27 (12): 1131–1134. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1999)027<1131:RGDAPI>2.3.CO;2 Article history first online: 02 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation S. K. Konrad, N. F. Humphrey, E. J. Steig, D. H. Clark, N. Potter, W. T. Pfeffer; Rock glacier dynamics and paleoclimatic implications. Geology 1999;; 27 (12): 1131–1134. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1999)027<1131:RGDAPI>2.3.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract Many rock glaciers contain massive ice that may be useful in paleoclimate studies. Interpreting geochemical ice-core records from rock glaciers requires a thorough understanding of rock glacier structure and dynamics. High-precision surface-velocity data were obtained for the Galena Creek rock glacier, Absaroka Mountains, Wyoming. Surface velocities range from 0 to 1.00 m/yr and vary across the rock glacier in a manner similar to true glaciers. We used Glen's flow law to calculate the thickness of the deforming ice layer. The modeled ice thickness ranges from 0 to 50 m, and is confirmed by direct observations. This agreement shows that rock glacier movement can be entirely explained by deformation of massive ice within the rock glacier; neither basal sliding nor deformation of basal debris is necessary. Recovered ice cores (to depths of 25 m) contain thin debris layers associated with summer ablation in the accumulation zone. The ages of four samples of organic material removed from several debris layers inthe southern half of the rock glacier range from 200 ± 40 to 2250 ± 35 14C yr B.P., demonstrating that the rock glacier formed well before the Little Ice Age and may contain ice dating to the middle Holocene or earlier. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.