Iceberg calving during transition from grounded to floating ice: Columbia Glacier, Alaska

Geophysical Research Letters
By: , and 

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Abstract

The terminus of Columbia Glacier, Alaska, unexpectedly became ungrounded in 2007 during its prolonged retreat. Visual observations showed that calving changed from a steady release of low-volume bergs, to episodic flow-perpendicular rifting, propagation, and release of very large icebergs - a style reminiscent of calving from ice shelves. Here, we compare passive seismic and photographic observations through this transition to examine changes in calving. Mechanical changes accompany the visible changes in calving style post flotation: generation of seismic energy during calving is substantially reduced. We propose this is partly due to changes in source processes.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Iceberg calving during transition from grounded to floating ice: Columbia Glacier, Alaska
Series title Geophysical Research Letters
DOI 10.1029/2010GL043201
Volume 37
Issue 15
Year Published 2010
Language English
Publisher Wiley
Contributing office(s) Alaska Science Center
Description 5 p.
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Geophysical Research Letters
Country United States
State Alaska
Other Geospatial Columbia Glacier
Online Only (Y/N) Y
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