Part II: The Physics of Deglaciation in Central Baffin Island

Abstract

Abstract The shearing and ablation of “cold” ice that leads to the formation of ablation and end moraines and the characteristic form of the S.E. edge of the Barnes ice cap are discussed. Some evidence suggests the existence of considerable areas of dead glacier ice extending well beyond the current moraines and completely insulated from melting by glacial debris. This debris consists of old moraines whose relief has been inverted and subdued. An appendix by Mason E. Hale on the current moraine plant succession suggests that the last stable position of the S.E. edge of the ice cap occurred about 1860 and has been followed by retreat at an average rate of about 3 m. per year.