Brief communication: Heterogenous thinning and subglacial lake activity on Thwaites Glacier, West Antarctica
<p>A system of subglacial lakes drained on Thwaites Glacier from 2012–2014. To improve coverage for subsequent drainage events, we extended the elevation and ice-velocity time series on Thwaites Glacier through austral winter 2019. These new observations document a second drainage cycle in 201...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Copernicus Publications
2020-12-01
|
| Series: | The Cryosphere |
| Online Access: | https://tc.copernicus.org/articles/14/4603/2020/tc-14-4603-2020.pdf |
| Summary: | <p>A system of subglacial lakes drained on Thwaites Glacier from 2012–2014. To improve coverage for subsequent drainage events, we extended the
elevation and ice-velocity time series on Thwaites Glacier through austral winter 2019. These new observations document a second drainage cycle in
2017/18 and identified two new lake systems located in the western tributaries of Thwaites and Haynes glaciers. In situ and satellite velocity
observations show temporary <span class="inline-formula"><</span> 3 % speed fluctuations associated with lake drainages. In agreement with previous studies, these observations
suggest that active subglacial hydrology has little influence on thinning and retreat of Thwaites Glacier on decadal to centennial timescales.</p> |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 1994-0416 1994-0424 |