Ice-Flow and Thickness Measurements in the Sør-Rondane, Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica

Abstract

AbstractVelocity and ice-thickness profiles were measured un the western glaciers of the Sør-Rondane during the Expéditions Antarctiques Belges of 1959 and 1960 Some of the stations were re-occupied for velocity measurements during the Expédition Antarctique Belgo-Néerlandaise, Campagne d’Été 1964–65.The profiles, with stations at 1 mile. (1.6 km.) intervals, were generally east-west and at right-angles to the direction of flow of the plateau outlet glaciers. The movement was measured by resection of each station from the main triangulation points over periods ranging from 256 to 1,501 days. Double ties with a Worden geodetic-type gravity meter were measured between the stations. An additional gravity station was occupied on rock at each end of the profile. The ice thickness and the subglacial topography are calculated from the gravity profiles. Combined with the surface velocity, they allow an estimate of the discharge of the glacier. The results indicate a close relationship between the glacier flow and the supply from the Antarctic Ice Sheet, as demonstrated by a study of the aerial photographs.