Marek Ewertowski - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Marek Ewertowski

A 1:5700 scale map of the recently deglaciated foreland of Skaftafellsjökull, Iceland as it appea... more A 1:5700 scale map of the recently deglaciated foreland of Skaftafellsjökull, Iceland as it appeared in 2007, depicts a typical active temperate glacial landsystem with a clear pattern of sequentially changing push moraine morphologies, including remarkable hairpin-shaped moraines, indicative of spatial and temporal variability in process-form regimes in glacier sub-marginal settings. Similar to other Icelandic glacier forelands, this demonstrates that the piedmont glacier lobes of the region have developed strong longitudinal crevassing and well-developed ice-marginal pecten during their historical recession from the Little Ice Age maximum moraines, likely driven by extending ice flow and poorly drained sub-marginal conditions typical of the uncovering of overdeepenings. Additionally, the localized development of a linear tract of kame and kettle topography is interpreted as the geomorphic and sedimentary signature of thrust stacked and gradually melting debris-rich glacier ice, a feature hitherto unrecognized in the Icelandic active temperate lobe landsystem signature.

A 1:4000 scale map of the terrestrial margins of the foreland of Nordenskiöldbreen depicts a poly... more A 1:4000 scale map of the terrestrial margins of the foreland of Nordenskiöldbreen depicts a polythermal glacial landsystem containing a record of the landform signatures of individual ice flow units that operate within the glacier snout. A 1:700 map provides a detailed overview of fluted terrain, based on unmanned aerial vehicle images captured in 2014. The pattern of landforms lying inside the Little Ice Age (LIA) latero-frontal moraine on the northern side of the fjord comprises a fluted till surface, which in turn grades into icemoulded bedrock. This signature records the recession of a single, wide ice flow unit, which was characterised by limited incorporation of subglacial material and restricted delivery of supraglacial debris. Inside the latero-frontal moraine on the south side of the fjord, a fluted surface is subordinate to a pronounced and large ice-cored moraine complex related to the confluence of five narrower ice flow units, each of which transported significant quantities of englacial and supraglacial debris at their suture zones as a series of longitudinal debris stripes. The suite of foreland landforms is diagnostic of both temperate subglacial and frozen-snout conditions, indicating the operation of a warm polythermal glacier fed by multiple flow units during the LIA.

Multiple maps at a scale of 1:51,500, portraying the trail-related features of 43.4 km of recreat... more Multiple maps at a scale of 1:51,500, portraying the trail-related features of 43.4 km of recreational trails located in a mountainous area of the Poprad Landscape Park (south-central Poland), were produced. More specifically, the maps presented the spatial pattern of trail impacts (i.e. trail width; trail incision; the number of informal trails; old, abandoned trail sections; a presence of muddy sections and water puddles), as well as use-related (type and amount of use), environmental (vegetation type, density of forest floor/grassland and understorey layer along trails, aspect, and trail topographic position), and managerial (trail surface, grade, and alignment) factors. For the most part, the information was collected during field surveys using the Global Positioning System and Geographic Information System (GIS), but in a minority of cases it was calculated within the GIS-environment based on a digital elevation model. Collecting accurate data on condition of trails and elements that influenced their state is crucial for managers in protected natural areas who face the challenges of protecting nature and providing recreational opportunities at the same time.

1. Glacial geomorphology of the Skálafellsjökull foreland, Iceland: A case study of 'annual' m... more 2016) Glacial geomorphology of the Skálafellsjökull foreland, Iceland: A case study of 'annual' moraines, Journal of Maps, 12:5, 904-916, ABSTRACT Small-scale recessional push moraines are a characteristic signature of the active temperate glacial landsystem, and are often clearly linked to annual re-advances. These recessional push moraines represent a potentially valuable terrestrial climate archive, and may provide valuable insights into glacier dynamics. This paper presents detailed glacial geomorphological maps of recessional push moraines on the foreland of Skálafellsjökull, SE Iceland. Geomorphological maps have been produced at a scale of 1:3750 based on 2006 aerial photographs and 2012 satellite imagery. Using unmanned aerial vehicle-captured imagery, large-scale sample mapping of two selected areas of the glacier foreland has also been conducted, with the maps reproduced as A4-sized figures at scales of ∼1:2500 and ∼1:2000, respectively. Desk-and fieldbased mapping reveals suites of recessional push moraines distributed across the glacier foreland, often found in close association with flutings. Moraines on the foreland typically display distinctive 'sawtooth' planform geometries, with complexities in the pattern occurring due to localised superimposition. The inventory of glacial geomorphological maps presented here provides a framework for subsequently exploring the characteristics of the recessional push moraines and recent ice-marginal fluctuations at Skálafellsjökull. ARTICLE HISTORY Glacial geomorphology; remote sensing; recessional push moraines; active temperate glacial landsystem; Skálafellsjökull; Iceland 2. Study site and previous work 2.1. Study site Skálafellsjökull, a non-surging outlet of the southeastern margin of the Vatnajökull ice-cap in SE Iceland, flows for ∼25 km from the Breiðabunga plateau in eastern

A 1:10,526 scale map of Snaefellsjökull and its forelands is presented as the first landsystem ex... more A 1:10,526 scale map of Snaefellsjökull and its forelands is presented as the first landsystem exemplar of volcano-centred ice caps, for application to understanding glacierized volcanic terrains globally. Mapping of surface materials and landforms was undertaken using orthorectified aerial photographs taken in 2002 and results of ground truth fieldwork in 2010. Nine natural surficial geology units were identified in addition to bedrock, glacier ice and made ground associated with pumice mining. The spatial distribution of landforms and sediments throughout the forelands comprises extensive areas of ice-cored moraine, developed at the limit of the Little Ice Age readvance and located distal to extensive areas of fluted till and glacially abraded bedrock with occasional eskers. This is a widely recognized landsystem signature typical of former polythermal snout conditions at the Little Ice Age maximum. Proglacially, thrust pumice sheets also occur on the east flanks of the volcano where pre-existing deformable materials were susceptible to thrust block development.

A 1:9500 scale map of the Eiríksjökull plateau icefield and its post-Little Ice Age (LIA) forelan... more A 1:9500 scale map of the Eiríksjökull plateau icefield and its post-Little Ice Age (LIA) foreland geomorphology and surficial geology is presented as a modern exemplar of an asymmetrically developed mountain glacier typical of the style of glacierization that dominated during mid-latitude Quaternary cold stages. Features regarded as diagnostic for this setting include (a) ice-cored hummocky terrain, indicative of controlled moraine construction in polythermal snouts, and localized breach lobe development, incremental stagnation and rock glacierization, all indicative of a debris-charged glacier snout; (b) fluted till and moraines, indicative of temperate basal ice conditions up-ice from polythermal glacier margins and (c) glacifluvial and debris flow deposits, occurring as steep fans emanating from glacier snouts at the plateau edge and in ice-contact fans or ramps fed directly by debris-covered glacier margins at the LIA. Although this plateau icefield landsystem is similar to those previously reported from Iceland, a remarkable debris-covered snout/ice-cored moraine complex on the foreland of Klofajökull is a more extreme example of the depositional zone that characterizes the valleys surrounding the more sedimentstarved plateau ice dispersal centres.

A 1:6250 map of the foreland of Fláajökull's north lobe as it appeared in 1989, together with a 1... more A 1:6250 map of the foreland of Fláajökull's north lobe as it appeared in 1989, together with a 1:350 scale map of a sample area of recently exposed glacial landforms from 2014, enables an assessment of the spatial and temporal evolution of glacial landform assemblages at the margin of an active temperate piedmont lobe terminating at ice-marginal thickening till wedges. The pattern of landform development captured in these maps indicates that the glacier margin developed strong longitudinal crevassing and well-developed ice-marginal pecten (threedimensional crenulations) during its historical recession. This is recorded by early recessional phase linear push moraines on well-drained distal slopes of the foreland and the later development of interrelated sawtooth moraines, crevasse squeeze ridges and till eskers, indicative of extending ice flow and poorly drained submarginal conditions. This landform record is a palaeoglaciological signature of a changing process-form regime inherent within the active temperate piedmont lobe landsystem model.

A 1:50,000 scale map of the surficial geology and geomorphology of the mountain glacier landsyste... more A 1:50,000 scale map of the surficial geology and geomorphology of the mountain glacier landsystem and the human impacts of the Kumtor Gold Mine operations in the Akshiirak massif was compiled from a 0.5 m resolution pan-sharpened image from Digital Globe's WorldView-2 platform dated 5 September 2014. The map depicts 11 surficial geology units, 6 of which are classified according to natural genetic origins and 5 relating to recent human interference with glaciological and land surface processes. When compared to historical imagery the map records a number of important, not unrelated, cryospheric responses to mining activity, including: (a) the triggering of human-induced glacier speed-up events or surges due to dumping of mine spoil on receding and thinning glacier snouts; (b) the reactivation by internal creep of buried glacier ice due to the expansion of spoil dumping onto down valley areas of ice-cored moraine; and (c) accelerated ice drawdown and significant incursions of ice into the mine pit walls due to the artificial removal of substantial areas of glacier ablation zones.

Twelve glaciers, representing various types, were investigated between 2000 and 2005, in a region... more Twelve glaciers, representing various types, were investigated between 2000 and 2005, in a region adjacent to the northern reaches of Billefjorden, central Spitsbergen (Svalbard). On the basis of measurements taken using reference points, DGPS and GPS sys− tems, analyses of aerial photographs and satellite images, geomorphological indicators and archival data their rates of deglaciation following the "Little Ice Age" (LIA) maximum were calculated variously on centennial, decadal and annual time scales. As most Svalbard glaciers have debris−covered snouts, a clean ice margin was measured in the absence of de− bris−free ice front. The retreat rates for both types of ice fronts were very similar. All studied glaciers have been retreating since the termination of the Little Ice Age at the end of 19th century. The fastest retreat rate was observed in the case of the Nordenskiöldbreen tidewater glacier (mean average linear retreat rate 35 m a -1 ). For land−terminating glaciers the rates were in range of 5 to 15 m a -1 . Presumably owing to climate warming, most of the glacier re− treat rates have increased several fold in recent decades. The secondary factors influencing the retreat rates have been identified as: water depth at the grounding line in the case of tide− water glaciers, surging history, altitude, shape and aspect of glacier margin, and bedrock re− lief. The retreat rates are similar to glaciers from other parts of Spitsbergen. Analyses of available data on glacier retreat rates in Svalbard have allowed us to distinguish four major types: very dynamic, surging tidewater glaciers with post−LIA retreat rates of between 100 and 220 m a -1 , other tidewater glaciers receding of a rate of 15 to 70 m a -1 , land terminating valley polythermal glaciers with an average retreat of 10 to 20 m a -1 and small, usually cold, glaciers with the retreat rates below 10 m a -1 .

Journal of Geophysical Research: Earth Surface, 2015

Rapid glacier advance is known to occur by a range of mechanisms. However, although large-scale d... more Rapid glacier advance is known to occur by a range of mechanisms. However, although large-scale debris loading has been proposed as a process for causing rapid terminus advance, it has rarely been observed. We use satellite remote sensing data to observe accelerated glacier terminus advance in response to massive supraglacial loading on two glaciers in Kyrgyzstan. Over a 15 year period, mining activity has led to the dumping of spoil of up to 180 m thick on large parts of these valley glaciers. We find that the termini of these glaciers advance by 1.2 and 3.2 km, respectively, at a rate of up to 350 m yr(-1). Our analysis suggests that although enhanced basal sliding could be an important process, massive supraglacial loads have also caused enhanced internal ice deformation that would account for most, or all, of the glacier terminus advance. In addition, narrowing of the glacier valley and mining and dumping of ice alter the mass balance and flow regime of the glaciers. Although the scale of supraglacial loading is massive, this full-scale experiment provides insight into glacier flow acceleration response where small valley glaciers are impacted by very large volumes of landslide debris.

Journal of Maps, 2015

ABSTRACT

The Nordenskiöldbreen (78 • 39'N, 16 • 55'E) is the only one tidewater glacier in the Billefjorde... more The Nordenskiöldbreen (78 • 39'N, 16 • 55'E) is the only one tidewater glacier in the Billefjorden area, central part of Spitsbergen. Since the end of the Little Ice Age, the glacier margin retreated by 1490 m (north wing) and 3100 m (south wing). Glacier recession exposed complex landform assemblages including moraines, flutes and bedrock expositions.

Abstract Formation of the ice-marginal landforms is the outcome of the relationship between ice f... more Abstract Formation of the ice-marginal landforms is the outcome of the relationship between ice flow velocity, amount of transported debris, ice masses thermal regime and climatic condition. Idea of the depositional efficiency can be understood as an ice stream transport capacity, measured on the margin of the ice sheet. In the other words, it is the difference between the amount of debris supplied to the margin of actively flowing ice and the quantity of material carried out on the distant forefield of the ice sheet by the meltwater. Final ...

Biuletyn - Panstwowego Instytutu Geologicznego

Abstract. In scientific literature, there are several methods, estimating modal mineral compositi... more Abstract. In scientific literature, there are several methods, estimating modal mineral composition in peridotite xenoliths. The main techniques are focused on: 1) traditional microscopic analyses (point counting), 2) statistical recalculations of bulk-rock, and mineral chemical compositions, 3) digital image processing. The above techniques differ from each other in sample preparation, amount of material required for analysis, data acquisition time etc. Based on comparative studies, the most effective method for determination of mineral composition in peridotite xenoliths has been chosen.

Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 2015

ABSTRACT This paper uses detailed mapping of eskers to address three questions which are importan... more ABSTRACT This paper uses detailed mapping of eskers to address three questions which are important for reconstructing meltwater behaviour beneath contemporary and ancient ice masses: ‘What controls the morphology of simple and complex esker systems?’, ‘How do esker systems evolve through time?’ and ‘Are esker patterns compatible with the groundwater controlled hydraulic spacing of esker tunnels’. Esker crestlines and widths are mapped on the Breiðamerkurjökull foreland for eight time slices between 1945 and 2007, from high resolution (~50 cm) aerial photography, permitting their long term morphological evolution to be analysed in a high level of detail. We find that complex eskers develop where meltwater and sediment is abundant, such that sediment clogs channels, forming distributary eskers. Isolated eskers are simpler and smaller and reflect less abundant meltwater and sediment, which is unable to clog channels. Eskers may take several decades to emerge from outwash deposits containing buried ice and can increase or decrease in size when ice surrounding and underlying them melts out. It has been suggested that groundwater-channel coupling dictates the spacing between eskers at Breiðamerkurjökull. Our results do not dispute this, but suggest that the routing of sediment and meltwater through medial moraines is an additional important control on esker location and spacing. These results may be used to better understand the processes surrounding esker formation in a variety of geographical settings, enabling a more detailed understanding of the operation of meltwater drainage systems in sub-marginal zones beneath glaciers and ice sheets. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

A 1:5700 scale map of the recently deglaciated foreland of Skaftafellsjökull, Iceland as it appea... more A 1:5700 scale map of the recently deglaciated foreland of Skaftafellsjökull, Iceland as it appeared in 2007, depicts a typical active temperate glacial landsystem with a clear pattern of sequentially changing push moraine morphologies, including remarkable hairpin-shaped moraines, indicative of spatial and temporal variability in process-form regimes in glacier sub-marginal settings. Similar to other Icelandic glacier forelands, this demonstrates that the piedmont glacier lobes of the region have developed strong longitudinal crevassing and well-developed ice-marginal pecten during their historical recession from the Little Ice Age maximum moraines, likely driven by extending ice flow and poorly drained sub-marginal conditions typical of the uncovering of overdeepenings. Additionally, the localized development of a linear tract of kame and kettle topography is interpreted as the geomorphic and sedimentary signature of thrust stacked and gradually melting debris-rich glacier ice, a feature hitherto unrecognized in the Icelandic active temperate lobe landsystem signature.

A 1:4000 scale map of the terrestrial margins of the foreland of Nordenskiöldbreen depicts a poly... more A 1:4000 scale map of the terrestrial margins of the foreland of Nordenskiöldbreen depicts a polythermal glacial landsystem containing a record of the landform signatures of individual ice flow units that operate within the glacier snout. A 1:700 map provides a detailed overview of fluted terrain, based on unmanned aerial vehicle images captured in 2014. The pattern of landforms lying inside the Little Ice Age (LIA) latero-frontal moraine on the northern side of the fjord comprises a fluted till surface, which in turn grades into icemoulded bedrock. This signature records the recession of a single, wide ice flow unit, which was characterised by limited incorporation of subglacial material and restricted delivery of supraglacial debris. Inside the latero-frontal moraine on the south side of the fjord, a fluted surface is subordinate to a pronounced and large ice-cored moraine complex related to the confluence of five narrower ice flow units, each of which transported significant quantities of englacial and supraglacial debris at their suture zones as a series of longitudinal debris stripes. The suite of foreland landforms is diagnostic of both temperate subglacial and frozen-snout conditions, indicating the operation of a warm polythermal glacier fed by multiple flow units during the LIA.

Multiple maps at a scale of 1:51,500, portraying the trail-related features of 43.4 km of recreat... more Multiple maps at a scale of 1:51,500, portraying the trail-related features of 43.4 km of recreational trails located in a mountainous area of the Poprad Landscape Park (south-central Poland), were produced. More specifically, the maps presented the spatial pattern of trail impacts (i.e. trail width; trail incision; the number of informal trails; old, abandoned trail sections; a presence of muddy sections and water puddles), as well as use-related (type and amount of use), environmental (vegetation type, density of forest floor/grassland and understorey layer along trails, aspect, and trail topographic position), and managerial (trail surface, grade, and alignment) factors. For the most part, the information was collected during field surveys using the Global Positioning System and Geographic Information System (GIS), but in a minority of cases it was calculated within the GIS-environment based on a digital elevation model. Collecting accurate data on condition of trails and elements that influenced their state is crucial for managers in protected natural areas who face the challenges of protecting nature and providing recreational opportunities at the same time.

1. Glacial geomorphology of the Skálafellsjökull foreland, Iceland: A case study of 'annual' m... more 2016) Glacial geomorphology of the Skálafellsjökull foreland, Iceland: A case study of 'annual' moraines, Journal of Maps, 12:5, 904-916, ABSTRACT Small-scale recessional push moraines are a characteristic signature of the active temperate glacial landsystem, and are often clearly linked to annual re-advances. These recessional push moraines represent a potentially valuable terrestrial climate archive, and may provide valuable insights into glacier dynamics. This paper presents detailed glacial geomorphological maps of recessional push moraines on the foreland of Skálafellsjökull, SE Iceland. Geomorphological maps have been produced at a scale of 1:3750 based on 2006 aerial photographs and 2012 satellite imagery. Using unmanned aerial vehicle-captured imagery, large-scale sample mapping of two selected areas of the glacier foreland has also been conducted, with the maps reproduced as A4-sized figures at scales of ∼1:2500 and ∼1:2000, respectively. Desk-and fieldbased mapping reveals suites of recessional push moraines distributed across the glacier foreland, often found in close association with flutings. Moraines on the foreland typically display distinctive 'sawtooth' planform geometries, with complexities in the pattern occurring due to localised superimposition. The inventory of glacial geomorphological maps presented here provides a framework for subsequently exploring the characteristics of the recessional push moraines and recent ice-marginal fluctuations at Skálafellsjökull. ARTICLE HISTORY Glacial geomorphology; remote sensing; recessional push moraines; active temperate glacial landsystem; Skálafellsjökull; Iceland 2. Study site and previous work 2.1. Study site Skálafellsjökull, a non-surging outlet of the southeastern margin of the Vatnajökull ice-cap in SE Iceland, flows for ∼25 km from the Breiðabunga plateau in eastern

A 1:10,526 scale map of Snaefellsjökull and its forelands is presented as the first landsystem ex... more A 1:10,526 scale map of Snaefellsjökull and its forelands is presented as the first landsystem exemplar of volcano-centred ice caps, for application to understanding glacierized volcanic terrains globally. Mapping of surface materials and landforms was undertaken using orthorectified aerial photographs taken in 2002 and results of ground truth fieldwork in 2010. Nine natural surficial geology units were identified in addition to bedrock, glacier ice and made ground associated with pumice mining. The spatial distribution of landforms and sediments throughout the forelands comprises extensive areas of ice-cored moraine, developed at the limit of the Little Ice Age readvance and located distal to extensive areas of fluted till and glacially abraded bedrock with occasional eskers. This is a widely recognized landsystem signature typical of former polythermal snout conditions at the Little Ice Age maximum. Proglacially, thrust pumice sheets also occur on the east flanks of the volcano where pre-existing deformable materials were susceptible to thrust block development.

A 1:9500 scale map of the Eiríksjökull plateau icefield and its post-Little Ice Age (LIA) forelan... more A 1:9500 scale map of the Eiríksjökull plateau icefield and its post-Little Ice Age (LIA) foreland geomorphology and surficial geology is presented as a modern exemplar of an asymmetrically developed mountain glacier typical of the style of glacierization that dominated during mid-latitude Quaternary cold stages. Features regarded as diagnostic for this setting include (a) ice-cored hummocky terrain, indicative of controlled moraine construction in polythermal snouts, and localized breach lobe development, incremental stagnation and rock glacierization, all indicative of a debris-charged glacier snout; (b) fluted till and moraines, indicative of temperate basal ice conditions up-ice from polythermal glacier margins and (c) glacifluvial and debris flow deposits, occurring as steep fans emanating from glacier snouts at the plateau edge and in ice-contact fans or ramps fed directly by debris-covered glacier margins at the LIA. Although this plateau icefield landsystem is similar to those previously reported from Iceland, a remarkable debris-covered snout/ice-cored moraine complex on the foreland of Klofajökull is a more extreme example of the depositional zone that characterizes the valleys surrounding the more sedimentstarved plateau ice dispersal centres.

A 1:6250 map of the foreland of Fláajökull's north lobe as it appeared in 1989, together with a 1... more A 1:6250 map of the foreland of Fláajökull's north lobe as it appeared in 1989, together with a 1:350 scale map of a sample area of recently exposed glacial landforms from 2014, enables an assessment of the spatial and temporal evolution of glacial landform assemblages at the margin of an active temperate piedmont lobe terminating at ice-marginal thickening till wedges. The pattern of landform development captured in these maps indicates that the glacier margin developed strong longitudinal crevassing and well-developed ice-marginal pecten (threedimensional crenulations) during its historical recession. This is recorded by early recessional phase linear push moraines on well-drained distal slopes of the foreland and the later development of interrelated sawtooth moraines, crevasse squeeze ridges and till eskers, indicative of extending ice flow and poorly drained submarginal conditions. This landform record is a palaeoglaciological signature of a changing process-form regime inherent within the active temperate piedmont lobe landsystem model.

A 1:50,000 scale map of the surficial geology and geomorphology of the mountain glacier landsyste... more A 1:50,000 scale map of the surficial geology and geomorphology of the mountain glacier landsystem and the human impacts of the Kumtor Gold Mine operations in the Akshiirak massif was compiled from a 0.5 m resolution pan-sharpened image from Digital Globe's WorldView-2 platform dated 5 September 2014. The map depicts 11 surficial geology units, 6 of which are classified according to natural genetic origins and 5 relating to recent human interference with glaciological and land surface processes. When compared to historical imagery the map records a number of important, not unrelated, cryospheric responses to mining activity, including: (a) the triggering of human-induced glacier speed-up events or surges due to dumping of mine spoil on receding and thinning glacier snouts; (b) the reactivation by internal creep of buried glacier ice due to the expansion of spoil dumping onto down valley areas of ice-cored moraine; and (c) accelerated ice drawdown and significant incursions of ice into the mine pit walls due to the artificial removal of substantial areas of glacier ablation zones.

Twelve glaciers, representing various types, were investigated between 2000 and 2005, in a region... more Twelve glaciers, representing various types, were investigated between 2000 and 2005, in a region adjacent to the northern reaches of Billefjorden, central Spitsbergen (Svalbard). On the basis of measurements taken using reference points, DGPS and GPS sys− tems, analyses of aerial photographs and satellite images, geomorphological indicators and archival data their rates of deglaciation following the "Little Ice Age" (LIA) maximum were calculated variously on centennial, decadal and annual time scales. As most Svalbard glaciers have debris−covered snouts, a clean ice margin was measured in the absence of de− bris−free ice front. The retreat rates for both types of ice fronts were very similar. All studied glaciers have been retreating since the termination of the Little Ice Age at the end of 19th century. The fastest retreat rate was observed in the case of the Nordenskiöldbreen tidewater glacier (mean average linear retreat rate 35 m a -1 ). For land−terminating glaciers the rates were in range of 5 to 15 m a -1 . Presumably owing to climate warming, most of the glacier re− treat rates have increased several fold in recent decades. The secondary factors influencing the retreat rates have been identified as: water depth at the grounding line in the case of tide− water glaciers, surging history, altitude, shape and aspect of glacier margin, and bedrock re− lief. The retreat rates are similar to glaciers from other parts of Spitsbergen. Analyses of available data on glacier retreat rates in Svalbard have allowed us to distinguish four major types: very dynamic, surging tidewater glaciers with post−LIA retreat rates of between 100 and 220 m a -1 , other tidewater glaciers receding of a rate of 15 to 70 m a -1 , land terminating valley polythermal glaciers with an average retreat of 10 to 20 m a -1 and small, usually cold, glaciers with the retreat rates below 10 m a -1 .

Journal of Geophysical Research: Earth Surface, 2015

Rapid glacier advance is known to occur by a range of mechanisms. However, although large-scale d... more Rapid glacier advance is known to occur by a range of mechanisms. However, although large-scale debris loading has been proposed as a process for causing rapid terminus advance, it has rarely been observed. We use satellite remote sensing data to observe accelerated glacier terminus advance in response to massive supraglacial loading on two glaciers in Kyrgyzstan. Over a 15 year period, mining activity has led to the dumping of spoil of up to 180 m thick on large parts of these valley glaciers. We find that the termini of these glaciers advance by 1.2 and 3.2 km, respectively, at a rate of up to 350 m yr(-1). Our analysis suggests that although enhanced basal sliding could be an important process, massive supraglacial loads have also caused enhanced internal ice deformation that would account for most, or all, of the glacier terminus advance. In addition, narrowing of the glacier valley and mining and dumping of ice alter the mass balance and flow regime of the glaciers. Although the scale of supraglacial loading is massive, this full-scale experiment provides insight into glacier flow acceleration response where small valley glaciers are impacted by very large volumes of landslide debris.

Journal of Maps, 2015

ABSTRACT

The Nordenskiöldbreen (78 • 39'N, 16 • 55'E) is the only one tidewater glacier in the Billefjorde... more The Nordenskiöldbreen (78 • 39'N, 16 • 55'E) is the only one tidewater glacier in the Billefjorden area, central part of Spitsbergen. Since the end of the Little Ice Age, the glacier margin retreated by 1490 m (north wing) and 3100 m (south wing). Glacier recession exposed complex landform assemblages including moraines, flutes and bedrock expositions.

Abstract Formation of the ice-marginal landforms is the outcome of the relationship between ice f... more Abstract Formation of the ice-marginal landforms is the outcome of the relationship between ice flow velocity, amount of transported debris, ice masses thermal regime and climatic condition. Idea of the depositional efficiency can be understood as an ice stream transport capacity, measured on the margin of the ice sheet. In the other words, it is the difference between the amount of debris supplied to the margin of actively flowing ice and the quantity of material carried out on the distant forefield of the ice sheet by the meltwater. Final ...

Biuletyn - Panstwowego Instytutu Geologicznego

Abstract. In scientific literature, there are several methods, estimating modal mineral compositi... more Abstract. In scientific literature, there are several methods, estimating modal mineral composition in peridotite xenoliths. The main techniques are focused on: 1) traditional microscopic analyses (point counting), 2) statistical recalculations of bulk-rock, and mineral chemical compositions, 3) digital image processing. The above techniques differ from each other in sample preparation, amount of material required for analysis, data acquisition time etc. Based on comparative studies, the most effective method for determination of mineral composition in peridotite xenoliths has been chosen.

Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 2015

ABSTRACT This paper uses detailed mapping of eskers to address three questions which are importan... more ABSTRACT This paper uses detailed mapping of eskers to address three questions which are important for reconstructing meltwater behaviour beneath contemporary and ancient ice masses: ‘What controls the morphology of simple and complex esker systems?’, ‘How do esker systems evolve through time?’ and ‘Are esker patterns compatible with the groundwater controlled hydraulic spacing of esker tunnels’. Esker crestlines and widths are mapped on the Breiðamerkurjökull foreland for eight time slices between 1945 and 2007, from high resolution (~50 cm) aerial photography, permitting their long term morphological evolution to be analysed in a high level of detail. We find that complex eskers develop where meltwater and sediment is abundant, such that sediment clogs channels, forming distributary eskers. Isolated eskers are simpler and smaller and reflect less abundant meltwater and sediment, which is unable to clog channels. Eskers may take several decades to emerge from outwash deposits containing buried ice and can increase or decrease in size when ice surrounding and underlying them melts out. It has been suggested that groundwater-channel coupling dictates the spacing between eskers at Breiðamerkurjökull. Our results do not dispute this, but suggest that the routing of sediment and meltwater through medial moraines is an additional important control on esker location and spacing. These results may be used to better understand the processes surrounding esker formation in a variety of geographical settings, enabling a more detailed understanding of the operation of meltwater drainage systems in sub-marginal zones beneath glaciers and ice sheets. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.