Glaciology of the Ross Sea sector: Contributions from the Scott Polar Research Institute

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Abstract
Data from airborne radio-sounding programmes provide extensive information on the Ross Ice Shelf. The flow of ice from Marie Byrd Land glaciers is shown clearly. Study of the basal layers indicates the location of basal freezing and melting. The latter processes are controlled by oceanic circulation beneath the ice shelfand by bottom topography, rather than by conduction of heat. Basal melting appears sufficient to have a significant effect on the mass budget of the Antarctic continent. Ice discharge from Marie Byrd Land takes place mainly through ice streams formed in shallow depressions in the continental shelf below sea level. These streams slide on basal ice at the melting point, while ice rises between the streams are frozen to bedrock. Ice from the main inland ice sheet is discharged through trunk glaciers, while that entering the Dry Valleys is of local origin. Inward-trending valleys beneath the main ice sheet indicate an early extensive mountain glaciation preceding the formation of the main sheet.