William W. Shilts Geologic Image Gallery

William W. Shilts | Shilts Geologic Image Gallery Search | Contact Me

Sediment and ice frozen into the mouth of a conduit
Location: Aktineq Glacier, Bylot Island, Nunavut, Canada

Date taken: July 1993
Photo ID: 0032
High resolution image available
Useage statement
 

Sediment and ice that was frozen into a conduit after it became inactive at the surface, about 200 meters above the base of Aktineq Glacier. These features appear as low cones of debris at the glacier surface because, as the surrounding clear ice ablates, the melted out debris insulates the ice-sediment structure. Near this feature were noted partially frozen-in conduits with frazil ice, indicative of supercooled meltwater. These muddy, cone-shaped features are common in the snout areas of southern Bylot Island glaciers and represent several generations of fountain activity. Fountains are particularly active during summer precipitation events at the height of the ablation season.

University of Illinois logo

ILLINOIS STATE GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
INSTITUTE OF NATURAL RESOURCE SUSTAINABILITY     |    UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN

Home   |   Search   |   Site Map   |   Contact Us

Updated 04/19/2007 CAB