Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

The influence of weather factors on glacier ablation is a topic of much debate in arctic scientific literature. Corresponding studies of glacier meltwater and stream suspended sediment characteristics are also common, but results vary with study location. This study aims to characterize the Linné valley in terms of seasonal glacial and fluvial patterns, and examine the effect of these parameters on sedimentation in Lake Linné. This study will contribute to the understanding of Linné valley processes and further the ultimate goal of interpreting Holocene climatic changes from lake sediment cores. During the 2005 field season (July 23'-August 14" ), weather, stream and glacier ablation data were collected by the Svalbard REU team. Statistical analyses and physical observations were employed to characterize the relationships between these three physical realms and compare them to expected results as well as previously studied areas. Throughout the field season, the Linné Glacier melted 0.5 meters on average, causing diurnal fluctuations in stream stage and suspended sediment load. Relationships between suspended sediment and stream stage are explained by significant autocorrelation results but causal relationships between weather and stream parameters are more complicated due to the effects of lag time. Efforts to pinpoint direct sources of glacier ablation were less fruitful, partially because of inadequate data collection techniques. However, analysis of aerial photos documents over 1.3 km of retreat since the end of the Little Ice Age, with a dramatic increase in retreat rate after 1969. Comparison of physical results to similar studies suggests that the Linné valley conforms to expectations of high arctic cold-based glacier systems.

Date Awarded

2006

Department

Geology

Advisor 1

Gregory S. Hancock

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