Crevasse
Deep crack, or fracture, in an ice sheet or glacier
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Key Takeaways
- A crevasse is a deep crack that forms in a glacier or ice sheet.
- The resulting intensity of the shear stress causes a breakage along the faces.
- These walls sometimes expose layers that represent the glacier's stratigraphy.
- A crevasse may be as deep as 45 metres (150 ft) and as wide as 20 metres (70 ft) The presence of water in a crevasse can significantly increase its penetration.
- Direct drains of water from the top of a glacier, known as moulins, can also contribute the lubrication and acceleration of ice flow.
A crevasse is a deep crack that forms in a glacier or ice sheet. Crevasses form as a result of the movement and resulting stress associated with the shear stress generated when two semi-rigid pieces above a plastic substrate have different rates of movement. The resulting intensity of the shear stress causes a breakage along the faces.
Description
Crevasses often have vertical or near-vertical walls, which can then melt and create seracs, arches, and other ice formations. These walls sometimes expose layers that represent the glacier's stratigraphy. Crevasse size often depends upon the amount of liquid water present in the glacier. A crevasse may be as deep as 45 metres (150 ft) and as wide as 20 metres (70 ft)
The presence of water in a crevasse can significantly increase its penetration. Water-filled crevasses may reach the bottom of glaciers or ice sheets and provide a direct hydrologic connection between the surface, where significant summer melting occurs, and the bed of the glacier, where additional water may moisten and lubricate the bed and accelerate ice flow. Direct drains of water from the top of a glacier, known as moulins, can also contribute the lubrication and acceleration of ice flow.
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