Outlet Glacier and Mass-Budget Studies in Enderby, Kemp, and Mac. Robertson Lands, Antarctica

Abstract

A detailed survey has been made of outlet glaciers between longitudes 48°E and 62°E. Surface and bedrock profiles were constructed from radio echo-sounding data and glacier grounding lines were located by changes in the characteristics of bedrock echoes. A preliminary investigation of the dynamics of these fast-moving (~1 km a−1) glaciers is presented. From the measurements, the ice-mass flux through each glacier can be calculated. Mass-budget studies inland (Morgan and Jacka 1981) are thus extended to the coast. In the inland region, an excess of accumulation over outflow of ~100% was estimated, while a near balance condition appears likely for the coastal region