Introduction
Although structural attributes such as folds, faults, crevasse traces and foliation are commonly described in glaciers (Reference Allen, Kamb, Meier and SharpAllen and others, 1960; Reference RaganRagan, 1969; Reference HambreyHambrey, 1975, Reference Hambrey1977; Reference HambreyHambrey and Milnes, 1975; Hambrey and Reference Hambrey and MüllerMüller, 1978; Reference Hooke and HudlestonHooke and Hudleston, 1978; Reference Hudleston and LeBHudleston and Hooke, 1980; Reference CasassaCasassa, 1992; Reference Lawson, Sharp and HambreyLawson and others, 1994), the origin and significance of many of these structures remains unclear. In particular, the role of these structures in debris entrainment and transport and their potential contribution to landform development has rarely been considered. In this paper the structural evolution of the glacier Kongsvegen in Svalbard is examined with respect to the role of ice-deformational processes in landform development. This has important implications because traditional models of landform development have ignored the possibility that these ice deformational processes are capable of producing discrete and recognisable landforms. This paper builds on previous work at Kongsvegen (Bennett and others, 1996a) and has three specific aims:
(a) To outline the structural glaciology of the lower reaches of Kongsvegen, emphasising those structures that developed as a result of the 1948 advance and their role in debris entrainment, transport and deposition.
(b)To describe the formation of these structures, on the basis of their morphology, ice-debris facies and structural attributes.
(c) To consider the implications of these results for models of landform genesis in glaciers.
Foliation is a planar or layered structure developed in glaciers, often defined by variations in bubble or dirt content within the ice. This structure generally develops from pre-existing layers, most notably from primary stratification and the traces of former crevasses (Reference Hooke and HudlestonHooke and Hudleston, 1978). Its development is due to the folding and transposition of these pre-existing layers. The degree of compression or shearing determines the lightness of folding and therefore the inclination of foliation. In extreme cases, vertical foliation can develop if there is sufficient compression to cause attenuation of the folds. Although foliation can be arranged in both longitudinal and transverse directions with respect to glacier flow, at Kongsvegen there is evidence only of longitudinal foliation and we therefore limit our discussion to this structure. Longitudinal foliation occurs on both surge-type and non-surge-type glaciers and is characteristically aligned parallel to ice flow. On surge-type glaciers such as Variegated Glacier, Alaska, longitudinal foliation forms in this manner during quiescent phases (Lawson and others, 1991). On non-surge-type glaciers such as White Glacier, Canada, it is constantly forming (Hambrey and Reference Hambrey and MüllerMüller, 1978). On glaciers subjected to large compressive strain, such as those where ice from a narrow accumulation basin feeds into a narrow tongue, foliation is not limited to the glacier margins but may extend across the entire width of the glacier. Although this structure is now well documented in contemporary glaciers, little is known about its role in the processes of debris entrainment, transport and deposition.
The Kongsvegen Glacier
The Svalbard archipelago spans an area from 77° to 80° N, is currently 60% glacierized (Reference Hagen and LiestHagen and others, 1993) and is dominated by a maritime-Arctic climate. Many Svalbard glaciers are polythermal in nature, with extensive areas of temperate ice beneath their accumulation areas, and with margins and snouts frozen to bedrock (Reference HagenHagen and Sætrang 1991; Reference BjörnssonBjörnsson and others, 1996). This study is based on the northwest-flowing Kongsvegen glacier which, together with the glacier Kronebreen, is fed from the highland icefield of Holtedahlfonna. The name Kongsvegen is reserved for the glacier which occupies the southern side of Kongsfjorden, whilst the name Kronebreen is used to describe the glacier which divides around Colletthøgda to form two separate tidewater calving fronts in Kongsfjorden (Fig. 1). In earlier literature, the name Kongsbreen was used to describe the entire glacier complex at the time when the glaciers were confluent in Kongsfjorden, but this term has been abandoned since the recent glacier recession (personal communication front J. O. Hagen, 1997). Kronebreen South now merges with Kongsvegen to form a combined calving front in Kongsfjorden (Fig. 1). Kongsvegen (glacier number 155 10 of Hagen and others, 1993] is 27 km long, with a total area of 189 km2, Kronebreen (glacier number 155 11 of Hagen and others, 1993) is 42.7 km long, with a total area of 690 km2. The Kongsvegen glacier front is almost stationary, with a measured centre-line velocity before convergence of 4.75 m a−1 (Reference MelvoldMelvold, 1992). Kronebreen is far more active, with a measured centre-line velocity before convergence of 737 m a−1 (Reference MelvoldMelvold, 1992) The combined ice front of Kronebreen and Kongsvegen is receding at rates of 0-300 m a−1, with an average of 200 m a−1 (Reference Lefauconnier, Hagen and RudantLefauconnier and others, 1994).
The glacier complex is commonly believed to have surged, or at least advanced rapidly, twice in the last 150 years (Reference LiestølLiestøl, 1988; Reference Hagen and LiestHagen and others. 1993), with rapid advances documented from 1869 and 1948 (Reference Elverhøi, Liestøl and NagyElverhøi and others, 1980). There is, however, no direct or conclusive evidence that either of these rapid advances was a surge. Reference Hagen and LiestHagen and others (1993) attribute the rapid advance of the complex in 1869 to Kronebreen, and that of 1948 to Kongsvegen, although the individual role of each glacier in these advances remains unclear. As a result of the 1948 advance, the northwest margin of Kongsvegen is now exposed in a 1 km longitudinal section on the shore of Kongsfjorden (Fig. 2). This provides a unique opportunity to document ice structures m three dimensions as well as to trace the development of landforms beyond the present ice margin.
Methods
The structural evolution of Kongsvegen was determined from analysis of air photographs taken in 1948, 1970 and 1995, and from field mapping of primary stratification, foliation, thrusts and crevasse traces in the summer of 1990. Mapping both on the ice surface and in the vertical longitudinal section allowed the identification of Structural attributes in three dimensions. In addition, ice-debris facies were characterised by the field measurement of particle shape. For each clast the following information was recorded: the dimensions of the three orthogonal axes; the clast roundness on a modified Reference PowersPowers (1953) scale; and clast lithology. These data were analyzed using the approach of Reference Benn and BallantyneBenn and Ballantyne (1994) in which the RA index (percentage of angular and very angular clasts) is plotted against the C40 index (percentage of clasts with c/a axial ratio <0.4) on a covariant plot. Matrix samples of each of the ice-debris facies were collected for particle-size analysis, involving sieving of the coarse fraction (gravel and sand) and analysts of the fine fraction (silt and clay) using a Sedi-Graph 5000 D Particle Size Analyzer. Mapping of the land-forms on the glacier forefield beyond the present margin included those orientated both parallel and transverse to the glacier. A detailed description of their sedimentary facies was also made (including particle shape and particle-size analysis). This enables a direct comparison with sediment samples from the ice-debris facies on the glacier.
Dynamics of the Kongsvegen-Kronebreen Complex Inferred From Crevasse Patterns
The surface of Kongsvegen is mainly crevasse-free except at the flow-unit boundary with the much faster-flowing Kronebreen and at its calving cliff in Kongsfjorden (Fig. 3). A prominent medial moraine on the glacier surface marks this flow-unit boundary. At this boundary there are short, intersecting, diagonal and transverse crefasses on the glacier surface. The edge of the crevassed area is precisely defined, not by the boundary between the two glaciers, but by the eastern edge of the medial moraine on the surface of Kongsvegen. This is strong evidence that there has been partial reactivation of Kongsvegen ice following its 1948 advance. The terminus of Kongsvegen shows evidence of three distinct flow units, numbered 1-3 from west to east across the glacier terminus (Fig. 3). Unit 1 is the area from the western ice margin to a prominent medial moraine on the glacier surface. Here the ice appears to be stagnant and shows little evidence of movement. Unit 2 is the area covered by the medial moraine itself, and unit 3 is the area that feeds the main calving front of Kongsvegen. Flow unit 3 is crossed by crevasses parallel to the Kongsvegen calving cliff. These extend into flow unit 2, but are largely obscured by the medial moraine. These crevasses are concave down-glacier and their orientation is reflected in the geometry of the calving cliff. Further up-glacier the surface of Kongsvegen is crossed by numerous crevasse traces. By comparison, Kronebreen is extremely heavily crevassed, with open crevasses across its entire width (Fig. 3). The intersection of major transverse and longitudinal crevasses splits the glacier surface into a series of inter-crevasse blocks 10-20 m in dimension. In places, these inter-crevasse blocks are further subdivided by a set of arcuate (convex down-glacier) crevasses. The heavy crevassing prohibits surface examination of the glacier in the field. The crevasse patterns are reflected by the irregular geometry of the Kronebreen calving cliff.
Structural Glaciology of Kongsvegen Following the 1948 Advance
Field observations show that the terminal area of Kongsvegen comprises five recognisable types of planar structure (table 1). These structures are termed S0 - S4 in order of formation according to normal conventions of structural geology. For clarity, the structures in the terminal area of Kongsvegen are described in three subzones, a-c (Fig. 4).
Primary stratification (S0)
Primary stratification (S0), inherited from snowfall in the accumulation area, is visible only on aerial photographs of Kongsvegen, where it shows up in the middle and upper reaches of the glacier as a diffuse pattern of light and dark ice. Here it forms an irregular pattern on the glarier surface, suggesting gentle dips, although fold hinges are often tight. This stratification is also displayed in cross-section in the Kongsvegen ice cliff, where it is defined by gently dipping layers and thin dirt bands. Primary stratification on Kongsvegen is not obviously associated with large quantities of debris, although longitudinal bands of angular gravel of uniform composition may represent stratification in the form of rockfall material originating in the accumulation area.
Foliation (S1) and associated folding (F1)
Longitudinal foliation (S1), as on other glaciers, is visible on the glacier surface as intercalated layers of coarse-bubbly and coarse-clear ice (Allen and others, 196UJ. No fine ice was observed on the surface of Kongsvegen, a type of ice normally associated with active shearing. The foliation has a consistent strike (060-240°), and across the whole glacier surface is orientated sub-parallel to glacier flow (Fig. 4). The foliation has a low-amplitude sinuosity, typically dipping at steep angles of 70-85° (Fig. 5). Ridges of debris parallel to the foliation occur at several plates on the glacier surface (Fig. 2), especially in the lower areas of the glacier (fig. 6b). Although these ridges are commonly 1-2 m wide and 1.5 m high when ice-cored, the source debris layers in the ice below are rarely greater than 0.1 m wide. The dispersion of material associated with these features is a result of the melting of their ice core. Clasts in these foliation-parallel ridges are mainly subangular and subrounded. Some ridges are composed of a sandy diamicton, which is characterised by subangular and subrounded material, occasionally containing striated clasts. Lithologically, these “foliation-parallel ridges” are highly variable.
Associated with this foliation is isoclinal to similar folding (F1) formed by the process of transposition. The fold structure is best observed where more gently inclined in the southwest marginal cliff, where it clearly involves debris-rich basal ice. In the relatively clean ice zones, isolated tight fold hinges are present. This suggests that the entire ice mass has been tightly folded, with fold axes orientated parallel to ice flow (Fig. 7). In order to raise debris-rich basal ice to the glacier surface, it is necessary to invoke large-scale folding not only of the ice mass but also of subglacial debris.
Thrusts (S2)
The surface of the glacier is crossed by a series of fractures inferred to be thrusts (S2), orientated approximately transverse or diagonal to glacier flow (Fig. 4). Although it is only rarely that evidence of displacement survives, their geometry is similar to that in other glaciers where displacement can be demonstrated. These thrusts are not visible at the scale of aerial photography, although they are a common feature of the Kongsvegen glacier. Thrusts can be observed both on the glacier surface and in cross-section in the ice cliff immediately below. On the glacier surface, thrusts range from discrete planar discontinuities to 0.5 m thick layers of regulation ice. Thrusts crop out on the glacier surface on the lower 300 m of Kongsvegen in subarea a, but are less common above this level in subareas b and c (Fig. 4). This is a function primarily of enhanced surface lowering due to the greater ablation in the terminal area and the inference that thrusts did not all necessarily reach the glacier surface during the advance. In the ice cliff, it is possible to see the morphology of these thrusts in cross-section. Thrusts rise gently from the base of the glacier, before steepening upwards to crop out on the glacier surface at angles of 50-85°. The majority of thrusts break the glacier surface at angles of 60-75° (Fig. 5). These thrust angles are greater than those typically found in non-surge-type glaciers but are typical of those recently formed in surge-type Bakaninbreen in Svalbard (Reference Hambrey and DowdeswellHambrey and Dowdeswell, 1997). A typical Kongsvegen thrust zone thickens towards the glacier surface, tapering towards the base of the glacier. Many thrusts do not penetrate as far as the glacier surface but terminate in the ice cliff as blind thrusts (fig. 8b).
An important distinction is between those thrusts which are debris-bearing and those which are not. Where thrusts contain significant quantities of debris, this is usually a clast-rich, muddy diamicton. The diamicton contains a range of clast lithologies, predominantly in the subangular to subrounded range. Many of these clasts are striated and faceted, suggesting that they are basally derived. In some cases, thrusts comprise primarily debris, with a minimum of interstitial ice. Where thrusts break the glacier surface, they are marked by transverse ice-cored ridges of debris. Melting of these ridges reduces the debris concentration to a thin film of mud. In some thrusts the debris-rich zone dies out sharply, and subsidiary thrusts can be seen to have developed (fig. 8b). On the back of thrusts it is common to see reverse fractures dipping clown-glacier. This type of thrusting is a common process in surge-type glaciers (Reference RaymondRaymond, 1987) and has been described from surge-type glaciers in Alaska (Reference Lawson, Sharp and HambreyLawson and others, 1994) and in Svalbard (Reference Bennett, Hambrey, Huddart and GhienneHambrey and others, 1996; Reference Hambrey and DowdeswellHambrey and Dowdeswell, 1997). In addition, Reference HisdalHisdal (1976) reported the existence of a large fault higher on Kongsvegen near the pass that separates the glacier from Uvérsbreen. This fault is visible on aerial photographs of Kongsvegen (Fig. 3). Melt-water from the drainage of a large subglacial lake is reported to have surfaced along this fault in May 1975 (Reference LiestølLiestøl, 1977). This is further evidence that thrusts may provide a more or less continuous link between the surface and base of the glacier.
Crevasse traces (S3)
Crevasse traces (S3), extending back from the snout into the upper accumulation basin, are visible on the surface of Kongsvegen. Thrusts are offset by some crevasse traces, demonstrating that the formation of the thrusts predates the formation of crevasse traces. This is consistent with the changing flow regime of a glacier, since during a surge or rapid advance there is a switch from compressive flow at the surge front to extending flow as the surge iront moves forward (Reference Lawson, Sharp and HambreyLawson and others, 1994). Field measurements on Kongsvegen show that the crevasse traces have a remarkably consistent orientation, with an average strike of 175-355° (Fig. 4). Dips vary between 50° and 90°, with a modal class of 76-80° (Fig. 5). The general orientation of crevasse traces is concave down-glacier. There is a broad zone of crevasse traces near the southern glacier margin, extending 400-500 m across the glacier surface. These are intersected by a second set of concave down-glacier crevasse traces.
Debris-filled ice fractures in the base of the Kongsvegen ice cliff (S4)
A number of near-vertical fractures extend from the apparent base of the ice cliff upward for several metres. Their geometry is variable and some become inclined in an up-glacier direction. These fractures are sometimes associated with basal debris. Their geometry suggests a different origin to the thrusts, and it is possible that these near-vertical fracture represent crevasse fillings of the type described by Reference SharpSharp (1985).
ICE-Debris Facies
Debris-bearing glacier ice is found on the surface of Kongsvegen, in the Kongsvegen ice cliff, and in the landforms on the glacier forefield. Particle-shape data and laboratory particle-size analysis suggest that three main ice-debris facies are present: (1) sandy diamicton, (2) silty sand and (3) well-sorted sand (Fig. 9).
(1) Sandy diamicton
This fades occurs on the surface of Kongsvegen as (i) ridges of debris aligned transverse to glacier flow, and (ii) ridges of debris aligned parallel to longitudinal foliation, Sandy diamicton is also exposed in the Kongsvegen ice cliff, where pods of debris are found in association with thrusts rising from the base of the glacier. Finally, both longitudinal and transverse ridges composed of sandy diamicton are observed on the glacier forefield immediately in front of the glacier terminus. The matrix is poorly sorted, with approximately equal proportions of sand, silt and clay. Clasts within this fades are predominantly rounded or subrounded, of mixed lithology and frequently striated and faceted (Fig. 10). This facies is interpreted as basally derived debris.
(2) Silty sand
This facies occurs in longitudinal ridges on Kongsvegen and as stripes of debris associated with medial moraines on the surface of the glacier. The matrix is moderately well sorted (Fig. 9). Clasts within this facies are almost exclusively angular (Fig. 10), are not striated and consist of locally derived schist. This facies is interpreted as the product of supraglacial rockfall onto the surface of the glacier.
(3) Well-sorted sand
This facies is represented by occasional mounds of debris and by dirt cones on the glacier surface. The matrix is well sorted, with a high proportion of sand (Fig. 9). Clasts within this facies are predominantly rounded, indicating a degree of fluvial action, and no striated clasts were observed. This facies is interpreted as a former stream deposit, in this case from a former englacial stream, which has risen to the surface along the longitudinal foliation in the manner described by Reference Kirkbride and SpeddingKirkbride and Spedding (1996).
Landforms and Sediments Associated with the 1948 Advance of Kongsvegen
Longitudinal and transverse landforms with respect to Kongsfjorden are present in the proglacial area of Kongsvegen (Fig. 2). These landforms have been described as forming a geometrical ridge network (Bennett and others, 1996a). The transverse ridges are typically straight, sharp-crested and asymmetrical, with a well-defined morphology (Fig. 11). They are composed of a homogeneous sandy diamicton in which there is a predominance of subrounded particles. The presence of striated clasts suggests a basal origin for the material in these transverse ridges. In contrast, the longitudinal ridges are typically low and poorly defined, forming symmetrical ridges 10-60 m in length. They are texturally similar in composition to the transverse ridges, typically composed of sandy diamicton and gravel-rich sand. Clast shape is similar to that in the transverse ridges, but with a lower proportion of rounded and striated clasts. On this basis, a basal origin is also attributed to the debris in these ridges. The two types of ridges cannot be distinguished on the basis of clast lithology, since both contain a high proportion of locally derived clasts (Bennett and others, 1996a). Both transverse and longitudinal landforms can be observed melting out of the current ice margin. Post-depositional degradation of the ridges is common and there are two main processes that alter the morphology of individual ridges.
Melting of an ice core
Some ridges immediately in front of the glacier retain an ice core. Since mean summer temperatures in the area are commonly above freezing, thawing of this ice core results in widespread liquefaction of sediment. This characteristically leads to the slumping and subsequent reworking of the material in the ridges. Mass-movement and debris-flow processes aid this ridge collapse. Reworking of sediment in the ridges produces a more subdued morphology, as the area between individual ridges becomes infilled with mud and silt carried into the area by debris flows from higher on the valley side (Fig. 11).
Ridge collapse due to desiccation
Strong, dry winds are characteristic of the area, leading to desiccation of the surface of individual ridges. The surface sediment characteristically dries out into blocks and becomes friable, enabling large cracks to develop in the surface of the ridges. In many cases, this exposes the ice core beneath and enhances melt rates. Blocks of material are liable to topple and slide over the exposed ice beneath, providing material for the mass-movement processes outlined above. The effect of this is to reduce the size of individual features and to reduce their surface expression. The combination of ridge collapse and subsequent reworking means that the preservation potential of the low, longitudinal ridges is limited, although the larger transverse ridges are more likely to survive.
Discussion
Studies of Svalbard glaciers suggest that there are four main methods of debris entrainment in polythermal glaciers (Hambrey and others, in press). These are the incorporation of debris in basal regelation ice; basal debris incorporated in association with thrusting; the folding of supraglacial and englacial material within ice; and the folding of material associated with englacial streams. The methods of debris incorporation at Kongsvegen, its deformation in association with the development of ice structures, and subsequent release to produce landforms are summarised in Figure 12. The principal ice-structure/landform relationships are discussed below.
Links between glacier structures and landforms
The process of thrusting in glacier ice is now known to be an important process in moraine formation at high-Arctic glaciers, resulting in the formation of moraine-mound complexes (Reference Hambrey and HuddartHambrey and Huddart, 1995; Reference Bennett, Hambrey, Huddart and GhienneBennett and others, 1996a, b; Reference Bennett, Hambrey, Huddart and GhienneHuddart and Hambrey, 1996; Reference Hambrey and DowdeswellHambrey and others, 1997). Data from the Kongsvegen ire cliff and from the glacier surface and forefield add to the credibility of this model of moraine formation. The basally derived sandy diamicton observed in cross-section in the thrusts of the Kongsvegen ice cliff can be traced to transverse ridges of sandy diamicton on the glacier surface. Furthermore, transverse ridges composed of the same material are commonly found melting out of the ice on the glacier forefield immediately in front of Kongsvegen (Fig. 13). Thus it is entirely possible for thrusts to bring basal debris to the glacier surface and for these ridges to be preserved during glacier recession. In the case of Kongsvegen these thrust ridges formed during a rapid advance, but this process occurs at the snouts of polythermal glaciers under both surge-type and “normal” flow conditions (Reference Hambrey and DowdeswellHambrey and others, 1997).
The foliation-parallel ridges on the surface of Kongsvegen and on the glacier forefield are also significant. Wherever these features are observed, they are orientated parallel to the longitudinal foliation on Kongsvegen. Most of these longitudinal ridges are composed of the same nasally derived sandy diamicton as the transverse ridges, although the foliation-parallel ridges on the glacier surface are occasionally composed of supraglacially derived sediment. The ridges of supraglacial material most commonly occur as medial moraines and are easily distinguished by their greater proportion of angular clasts. These ridges can be traced onto the glacier forefield as diffuse stripes of angular debris. The incorporation of basal debris along longitudinal foliation is not a universally acknowledged process. The mechanism required to explain this process is one where lateral compression of ice leads to the development of a transposition foliation parallel to flow, combined with the incorporation of basal debris-rich ice or soft basal sediment in the fold complex. The resulting landforms at Kongsvegen are best described as “foliation-parallel ridges”. There is therefore evidence for three debris entrainment processes operating at Kongsvegen. These are the incorporation of basal debris in association with (1) thrusting, (2) foliation development and (3) the folding of supraglacial debris to create englacial debris zones. Debris entrainment associated with regelation ice was not directly observed at Kongsvegen, because the base of the ice cliff is obscured by snow and cliff-fall material.
Comparisons between surge-type and non-surge-type glaciers
The differences and similarities between the structures developed in Surge-type and non-surge-type glaciers have been summarised by Reference Hambrey and DowdeswellHambrey and Dowdeswell (1997). Differences in structures are not as marked as might be expected, on the basis of approximately 12 glaciers investigated. Based on this small sample, it is not yet possible to discriminate between surge and non-surge landform assemblages. Thrusting is widespread in both types of glacier, and so thrust-moraines are ubiquitous in spite of statements to the contrary. The incorporation of debris parallel to foliation and subsequent generation of foliation-parallel ridges must be linked to a highly deformable bed. To date, basal debris associated with foliation has been found at both types of glacier, but only at Kongsvegen have the foliation-parallel ridges been observed. It is tentatively suggested that deformable bed conditions facilitate folding of basal debris with glacier ice to produce these ridges, but this hypothesis requires widespread testing.
Implications for the interpretation of Pleistocene landforms
The recognition of foliation-parallel ridges at modern glacier margins also has implications for the interpretation of Pleistocene landforms; in particular that of fluted terrain.
Two broad types of fluted terrain are commonly recognised (Reference Heikkinen and TikkanenHeikkinen and Tikkanen, 1979; Reference Rose, Menzies and RoseRose 1987; Reference Gordon, Whalley, Gellatly and VereGordon and others, 1992): (1) flutes, low (<3m), narrow (<3m), regularly spaced ridges which are usually less than 100 m long and are common in front of modern glacier margins; and (2) megaflutes, which are much taller (>5m), broader and longer (>100m). Flutes have been widely interpreted as forming in the lee of subglacially lodged boulders (Reference DysonDyson, 1952; Reference Hoppe and SchyttHoppe and Schytt, 1953; Reference SchyttSchytt, 1963; Reference Paul and EvansPaul and Evans. 1974; Reference BoultonBoulton, 1976), although several authors have challenged the ability of this mode of formation to explain all the observed forms (Reference KarlénKarlén, 1981; Reference RoseRose, 1989; Reference Gordon, Whalley, Gellatly and VereGordon and others, 1992). The formation of megaflutes is less well understood, and for the most part these features do not appear to be associated with cavities in the lee of boulders or bedrock obstacles, Several authors have suggested a genetic link between megaflutes and drumlinoid forms (Reference Gravenor and MeneleyGravenor and Meneley, 1958; Reference PrestPrest, 1968; Reference AarioAario, 1977; Reference Rose, Menzies and RoseRose, 1987; Reference ClarkClark, 1993).
The foliation-parallel ridges at Kongsvegen add to the range of mechanisms capable of producing low, linear ridges parallel to ice flow. It is therefore possible that some of the features previously interpreted as glacial flutes may in fact have their origin as foliation-parallel ridges. Foliation-parallel ridges formed from supraglacial sediment close to the ice surface should be identifiable on the basis of clast shape. They form distinct stripes of sediment, which resemble in morphology small glacial flutes. In contrast, foliation-parallel ridges composed of subglacial debris may be impossible to distinguish from conventional flutes since the fabric induced by folding into basal ice may be similar to that associated with sediment flow into a lee-side cavity. More observations are required concerning the range of size, length and morphology of foliation-parallel ridges. Until these data become available it is only possible to highlight the importance of this mechanism as a possible alternative when interpreting such landforms.
Conclusions
1. The main structures in Kongsvegen are: (i) stratification with a small amount of supraglacial debris that has been folded with flow-parallel axes; (ii) longitudinal foliation which in places incorporates basal glacial sediments by folding with flow-parallel axes; (iii) thrusts which are associated with basal debris and which sometimes carry basal debris to the surface; and (iv) crevasse traces which are not significant in terms of debris entrainment. Possible relict basal crevasses associated with subglacial debris are a minor feature observed at the foot of the ice cliff.
2. The principal landforms associated with these processes are transverse, asymmetrical ridges of thrust origin and foliation-parallel ridges.
3. The foliation-parallel ridges at Kongsvegen are low, linear ridges aligned parallel to ice flow. The process of debris entrainment along longitudinal foliation adds to the range of mechanisms capable of producing this type of landform. Recognition of foliation-parallel ridges in the Pleistocene record would have important implications for interpretation of the dynamics of former ice masses.
Acknowledgements
This work was funded by a U.K. Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) grant (GR9/02185). We thank N. Cox at the NERC Arctic Research Station in Ny-Ålesund for logistical support. G. H. Sambrook Smith and two anonymous referees provided helpful comments on the manuscript.
