GLACIAL CONTROL OF WIND AND OF SOIL EROSION IN ICELAND

Abstract

ABSTRACT Investigations near some of the icecaps of central Iceland show that pressure and winds are markedly affected by the presence of the icecaps under various synoptic conditions. The main effect is of wave formation and descent of dry air, coming predominantly from Polar or Arctic air masses, and the descent of this air is associated with a belt of severe soil erosion in south and central Iceland. A similar effect can also be detected in northern Iceland.