Authors: Oldenborger, Greg A.; Clarke, Garry K.C.; Hildes, Dave H.D.

Source: Journal of Glaciology, Volume 48, Number 162, June 2002 , pp. 357-368(12)

Publisher: International Glaciological Society

Abstract:

Measurements of the electrical conductivity of subglacial water provide a useful complement to measurements of pressure and turbidity. In the summer season, fluctuations of conductivity can be attributed to changes in water transport, water provenance and subglacial residence time. These explanations are unlikely to apply during the winter season because surface melt sources are not active and the subglacial water system is pre-dominantly unconnected. Thus, fluctuations in water conductivity during the winter months seem paradoxical. To introduce a quantitative basis for comprehending such phenomena, we develop an interpretative model of the hydrochemical interaction between a water-filled borehole and a subglacial aquifer. The electrical conductivity of water near the borehole-aquifer contact is affected not only by diffusion but also by advective transport of solute between the two reservoirs in response to pressure forcing of the system. Using records of ice-strain, water pressure and electrical conductivity from unconnected boreholes in Trapridge Glacier, we demonstrate that changes in borehole geometry caused by ice-strain events provide a plausible mechanism for at least some of the observed fluctuations of electrical conductivity. Conductivity records provide information regarding advective coupling of the borehole-aquifer system that is not available from pressure records alone.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3189/172756502781831232

Publication date: 2002-06-01

More about this publication?

• The Journal of Glaciology is published six times per year. It accepts submissions from any discipline related to the study of snow and ice. All articles are peer reviewed. The Journal is included in the ISI Science Citation Index.
• Editorial Board
• Information for Authors
• ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Geology ,  Meteorology & Climatology
• By this author: Oldenborger, Greg A. ;  Clarke, Garry K.C. ;  Hildes, Dave H.D.

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers