The Origin of Fluted Moraine at the Fronts of Contemporary Glaciers

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Abstract
Results of observations of a fluted moraine surface at the front of Werenskioldbreen in Southwest Spitsbergen are discussed. Here, these forms are a normal phenomenon, especially at places without animated action of ablation water both under and in front of the glacier. Existing hypotheses on the genesis of fluted moraine surfaces do not satisfactory explain the striking regularity of their dimensions. It is suggested in this paper that the formative mechanism is primarily connected with frost action—i.e. frost heaving at the glacier bed (and thus with a specific subglacial permafrost zone)—a process modified by ice movement. Such processes may exist if—due to climatic changes, including thickness variations—there is a change of the thermal regime from warm to cold at the glacier bed. This alteration progresses within the glacier in accordance with its movement. The presence of fine silt in the ground moraine under the glacier, makes it possible for water to gather. This is considered to be an important condition for the formation of fluted moraine ridges.

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