Recent changes in drainage route and outburst magnitude of the Russell Glacier ice-dammed lake, West Greenland

Abstract × ∼ ∼ 3. We attribute these fluctuations between short periods of relatively high and low drainage volumes to a weakening of the ice dam and an incomplete sealing of the englacial tunnel following the large GLOFs. This syphoning drainage mechanism is triggered by a reduction in englacial meltwater, likely driven by late-season drainage and sudden air temperature reductions, as well as annual variations in the glacial drainage system. Furthermore, we provide geomorphological evidence of an additional drainage route first observed following the 2021 GLOF, with a subglacial or englacial flow pathway, as well as supraglacial water flow across the ice margin. It seems probable that the new drainage route will become dominant in the future. This will drive changes in the downstream geomorphology and raise the risk of flooding-related hazards as the existing buffering outlet lakes will be bypassed.

Object Details

• Location: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Extent: Online-Ressource
• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Recent changes in drainage route and outburst magnitude of the Russell Glacier ice-dammed lake, West Greenland ; volume:17 ; number:3 ; year:2023 ; pages:1373-1387 ; extent:15 ; The Cryosphere ; 17, Heft 3 (2023), 1373-1387 (gesamt 15)

Contributors, Places and Time

• Creator: Dømgaard, Mads ; Kjeldsen, Kristian K. ; Huiban, Flora ; Carrivick, Jonathan L. ; Khan, Shfaqat A. ; Bjørk, Anders A.

Further information

• DOI: 10.5194/tc-17-1373-2023
• URN: urn:nbn:de:101:1-2023040605263209297361
• Rights: Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Last update: 14.08.2025, 10:57 AM CEST