Debris-Covered Glaciers

Despite their relatively common occurrence, debris-covered glaciers have not been well studied, in part because we do not have practical methods to measure or predict the melting rate of the ice under the debris. This fundamental variable is crucial for mass balance calculations, response to climatic variations, and for water runoff. From a hydrological perspective, debris-covered glaciers commonly develop supraglacial lakes that can release disastrous floods.

In addition to issues directly concerning debris-covered glaciers, rock glaciers may be an end-member in the spectrum of glaciers, possibly originating from debris-covered glaciers. Current debate on the origin of rock glaciers and their possible genetic connection to debris-covered glaciers highlights fundamental issues regarding debris transport and energy balances.

The Workshop on Debris-Covered Glaciers (Seattle, September 2000) was organized with the aim of synthesizing our current understanding about debris-covered glaciers and rock glaciers. By drawing on experiences from different regions of the world it was hoped to highlight the underlying physical processes controlling the nature of debris-covered and rock glaciers. This publication comprises 28 papers selected for the workshop.