Indirect Estimation of the Djankuat Glacier Volume Based on Surface Topography: Selected paper from EGS General Assembly, Nice, April-2000 (Symposium OA36)

The relationship between the thickness of a glacier stream and its surface slope is discussed. Morphometrical features of the glacier surface serve as a basis for estimating the maximum thickness the glacier can attain. A method for indirect calculation of ice thickness is hereby suggested. A detailed large-scale map permits determination of the total glacier volume. The Djankuat Glacier, a representative valley glacier in the Central Caucasus, is used as an example to illustrate the applicability of the proposed calculation scheme. Its probable thickness and volume are estimated on the grounds of photogrammetrical surveys, a topographic map and spatial pattern of ice flow velocity on the surface. Several values of directly measured ice thickness (by various methods such as thermal drilling, radar sounding, gravimetry etc.) verify the calculation results. As a result, ice thickness over the entire glacier area has been mapped. Methodical limitations and accuracy of indirect estimates are also discussed.