MORPHOLOGICAL PATTERNS OF BRABANT ISLAND GLACIERS, ANTARCTICA

Abstract

The morphology and variation of glacier fronts on the Brabant Island icefield, West Antarctic Peninsula, were studied by employing LANDSAT 5 and 7 images, from 1989 and 2001. This work was based on an integrated interpretation of the different data sets and mapping of the controlling dynamics and morphological factors determining the glacial drainage basin limits and employing a geographic information system. Boosted by predominating climatic and oceanographic conditions, the island was divided in two sectors - Western coast and Eastern coast. The morphological differences among the glacial drainages are determined by the subglacial bedrock structural control. Seventy six drainage basins were identified for the icefield that covers the island. The glacial variation is primarily controlled by the topography and secondarily by climatic conditions. In 1989, the area of the island was 916 km² , of which 98.5% was ice covered. Between 1989 and 2001, 23 glaciers showed variation in their glacial termini, 18 of which retreated and 5 advanced. The balance of these variations resulted in a loss of 2.7 km² in the island’s area.