U.S.-Sweden Cooperative Research: The Effect of Water- saturated Deformable Basal Till on Glacier Dynamics

Investigator(s):

Roger Hooke (PI)

Sponsor:

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, MN 55455 6126245599

Start Date/Expiration Date

1988-04-01 to 1990-09-30 (amended 1988-01-04)

Awarded Amount to Date:

$25,300

Abstract: This award will support collaborative research between Professor Roger L. Hooke, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, and Professor Wibjorn Karlen, University of Stockholm. This research will contribute to an on-going investigation of processes that occur at the interface of glaciers and their underlying layer. The variations in time and space of the coupling between the glacier and this layer, particularly as reflected in water pressure effects on sliding velocity, will be studied on the Storglacier in northern Sweden. Prof. Hooke and his Swedish collaborators have been involved with studies of the Storglacier for the past six years. This work will extend previous measurements of surface velocities, winter snow accumulation, ablation, and borehole deformation, by adding measurements of surface tilt and strain, water pressure variations in boreholes, internal drainage, and sediment and water discharge at the glacier terminus. Correlation of all of these studies will lead to an enhanced understanding of the dynamics of glacial flow. The University of Stockholm's Tarfala Research Station, the base for these studies, is located near the glacier, and provides excellent facilities for the recording and analysis of the data to be obtained. The proposed cooperation presents the U.S. investigator with an opportunity to use highly specialized facilities, immediately adjacent to the subject of his experiments. Studies of glacier dynamics are of increasing importance, as land utilization extends closer to valley glaciers in mid-latitude regions. These studies are also necessary to understand the effect of future expected sea-level rises on glaciers.

NSF Org:

OISE - Office of International Science and Engineering

Award Number:

8712749

Award Instrument:

Standard Grant

Program Manager:

Pierre Perrolle
OISE Office of International Science and Engineering
SBE Directorate for Social, Behavioral & Economic Sciences

NSF Program(s):

SWEDEN, SWEDEN

Field Application(s):

Geological Sciences, Polar Programs-Related

Program Element Code(s):

5937
, 5937