Glacier-Permafrost Interactions
The Cryosphere Science Series
A systematic exploration of the interactions between glaciers and permafrost
In Glacier-Permafrost Interactions, distinguished glaciologist Richard Waller delivers a comprehensive discussion of the interaction between glaciers and permafrost. The book is extraordinarily relevant to contemporary debates regarding the rate of glacial retreat and the stability of permafrost in the face of global warming. By integrating modern-era observations with findings from Quaternary science, a compelling and robust model of the glacier-permafrost system is presented.
This summary of the current thinking on glacier-permafrost interaction also provides:
* Comprehensive discussions of permafrost in modern and ancient glacial environments
* In-depth explorations of glacial processes, ice-sheet dynamics, sedimentology, and geomorphology
* A survey of current research efforts and future directions in the field
Lying at the boundary between a research monograph and an advanced textbook, Glacier-Permafrost Interactions contributes to the future development of this rapidly evolving field by incorporating new approaches and ideas while still offering a summary of the current state of knowledge. It is perfect for advanced students, researchers, and professionals with an interest in polar and alpine environments.
1.1 Research Context and Academic Background
1.2 Overview of the Significance of Glacier-Permafrost Interactions
1.3 Explanation of the Book Structure
2. Permafrost in Modern and Ancient Glacial Environments
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Thermal and Physical Properties of Permafrost
2.3 The Formation and Preservation of Permafrost
2.4 The Distribution and Spatial Extent of Permafrost
2.5 Permafrost Rheology
2.6 Summary
3. Glaciers and Glacial Processes in Permafrost Environments
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Thermal Regimes of Glaciers and Permafrost
3.3 Basal Boundary Conditions and Processes
3.4 Frozen Beds and Traditional Glaciological Models
3.5 Active Subglacial Processes at Sub-Freezing Temperatures - an Emerging Paradigm?
3.6 Ice-marginal and Proglacial Processes
3.7 Summary
4. Hydrology, Dynamics and Sediment Fluxes
4.1 Introduction
4.2 The Hydrology of Non-Temperate Glaciers
4.3 The Dynamic Behaviour of Non-Temperate Glaciers
4.4 Sediment Fluxes within Glaciated Permafrost Catchments
4.5 Summary
5. The Landscape Expression of Glacier-Permafrost Interactions: Landforms, Sediments and Landsystems
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Cold-based Glaciers and Glacial Protectionism
5.3 Specific Landforms related to Cold-Based Glaciers and Glacier-Permafrost Interactions
5.4 Sedimentological & Structural Evidence for Glacier-Permafrost Interactions
5.5 Glacial Landsystem Models
5.6 Glaciers, Permafrost and Paraglaciation
5.7 Summary
6. Future Research Directions
6.1 Basal Boundary Conditions and Processes beneath Cold-Based Glaciers
6.2 The Rheology of Subglacial Permafrost
6.3 Using Geomorphological Evidence to reconstruct Basal Thermal Regime
6.4 Sedimentological and Structural Criteria for identifying Glacier-Permafrost Interactions
6.5 Determining the influence of Permafrost on Glacier Dynamics
6.6 Glacier-Permafrost Interactions and Future Climate Change
6.7 Towards an Integrated Analysis of Glaciers and Permafrost
