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Geology Faculty Publications and Presentations

2001

Antarctica -- Kamb Ice

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Full-Text Articles in Geology

Post-Stagnation Behavior In The Upstream Regions Of Ice Stream C, West Antarctica, Stephen F. Price, R. A. Bindschadler, Christina L. Hulbe, Ian R. Joughin Jan 2001

Post-Stagnation Behavior In The Upstream Regions Of Ice Stream C, West Antarctica, Stephen F. Price, R. A. Bindschadler, Christina L. Hulbe, Ian R. Joughin

Geology Faculty Publications and Presentations

The region where two active tributaries feed into the now stagnant Ice Stream C (ISC), West Antarctica, is thickening. In this region, we observe a correlation between faster ice flow (the tributaries) and elevated topography. We conclude that stagnation of ISC resulted in compression and thickening along the tributaries, eventually forming a "bulge" on the ice-sheet surface. Modern hydraulic potential gradients would divert basal meltwater from ISC to Ice Stream B (ISB). These gradients are primarily controlled by the bulge topography, and so likely formed subsequent to trunk stagnation. As such, we argue against "water piracy" as being the cause …