The role of glacier system in migration of calcium carbonate on Svalbard

Abstract

The general objective of this research has been to identify the factors and condi− tions of migration of CaCO3 within glaciers and their marginal zones in Svalbard. Special attention has been paid to the cryochemical processes responsible for precipitation of cal− cium carbonate in icing (naled ice) formed near fronts of polythermal glaciers during win− ter. Estimates of the importance of those processes in respect of the general mineral mass transfer in the glacier system are attempted here. Field studies concerning the carbonate contents in proglacial sediments and icing fields were carried out in the Werenskioldbreen and the Elisebreen basins (S and NW Spitsbergen respectively). A functional model of CaCO3 migration in a glacier system is proposed which indicates the various paths of the mineral mass flow. Considerations on intensity of glacial processes permitted quantitative estimation of the particular components in respect to the Werenskioldbreen basin. Cryo− chemical processes do not appear to be of overriding importance in such migration but, clearly, they play a specific role in retaining CaCO3 in the proglacial zone on land. The crys− talline forms present in the icings, which have many lattice defects, are very easily re−dis− solved or removed by wind.