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Research at 11 glaciers in the western European Alps has resulted in the definition of 7 basal ice facies. The formation of each is investigated on the basis of its debris distribution, sedimentology, and stable isotope composition. Isotopic data are interpreted within an analytical framework that allows for variations in the isotopic composition of source waters. Ice facies formed by metamorphism are distinguished from those formed by open-system refreezing within basal cavities and from those formed by closed-system regelation. Individual basal ice facies are thereby linked to the subglacial physical conditions required for their formation. These associations allow inferences relating to bed type, basal temperature, and subglacial hydrology to be made on the basis of the presence of specific, diagnostic basal ice facies at any glacier where they may be observed.
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Hubbard et al. (1995) studied this question.
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