Physical Processes in Temperate Glaciers

Abstract In a temperate glacier ice the water content results from the past history of the ice, and the temperature adjusts itself to the appropriate value. Results obtained by the Laboratoire de Glaciologie are summarized. Several facts seem to prove some migration of the liquid phase and a coalescence of liquid inclusions. The enthalpy flux is calculated, but it cannot be proved that a spontaneous gathering together of liquid inclusions could occur. The water-rich, small grain-size layers should come from the lowering of the viscosity when the water content increases, as discovered by Duval. The form of Weertman’s sliding law without cavitation can be derived from simple dimensional considerations. Numerically, it cannot account for high sliding velocities, for which subglacial cavitation must be introduced. The cavities are infilled with more stagnant regelation ice than water. Two subglacial hydraulic regimes are distinguished: autonomous and interconnected. The effect which the salt content may have on cavitation is estimated.