The effects of cryochemical processes in the glaciers and the permafros in Spitsbergen

Abstract

This paper presents the results erf" investigations of the cryochemical processes in the glacial ice and the long-term permafrost in Spitsbergen, which have been confirmed by laboratory experiments. These investigations were performed on two glaciers: the Bertil Glacier, which lies in the central part of West Spitsbergen, and the Werenskiold Glacier, in the southern part of Spitsbergen. This paper also gives results for the unglaciated Fugleberget basin on the Hornsund Fiord in South Spitsbergen. It the autumn, winter and spring seasons distinct effects of cryochemical processes were found. They could be seen: I) In the increased mineralization of the water circulating inside the glacier and the permafrost, which results from the freezing process (autumn and winter), and in the relatively high mineralization of the water in the early ablation period (spring); 2) in the precipitation of salts from the freezing water, both at the glacier front (winter naled ice), in the glacial caves and the unglaciated region. Sulphate salts (mainly gypsum) are most often precipitated. Carbonates (mainly calcites) were also found to precipitate. Calcites precipitate on the walls of limestone caves and even in the limestone rubble on talus cones. The experiments carried out at the Polish Station at Hornsund aimed at determination of the actual changes in the mineralization of Spitsbergen water caused by the processes of freezing and thawing.