Glacier-Permafrost Interactions - (Cryosphere Science) by Richard I Waller (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Permafrost is the permanently frozen ground that exists in high and low latitudes, and at high elevations. Glaciers and ice sheets either rest on solid rock, float on water, or move across permafrost. The physical interaction between moving ice and permafrost is thus central to an understanding of glacier dynamics as well as the the geomorphology of areas affected by glacial action (which is true for almost all areas outside of the tropics)."--

Book Synopsis

Glacier-Permafrost Interactions

A systematic exploration of the interactions between glaciers and permafrost

In Glacier-Permafrost Interactions, experienced glaciologist Richard I. Waller delivers a comprehensive discussion of the interactions between glaciers and permafrost. The book is highly relevant to contemporary debates regarding ongoing recession of glaciers and the degradation of permafrost in the face of global warming. By integrating modern-era observations with findings from Quaternary science, this book demonstrates how glaciers and permafrost can interact and behave as an integrated system.

This summary of the current thinking and emerging research on glacier-permafrost interaction also provides:

• Comprehensive discussions of permafrost in modern and ancient glacial environments
• A focused review of the distinctive characteristics of glaciers found in permafrost environments
• An integrated overview of the nature and impacts of glacier-permafrost interactions on the hydrology and dynamic behaviour of glaciers and their landscape expression
• A survey of current research efforts and future directions in the field

Lying at the boundary between a research monograph and an advanced textbook, Glacier-Permafrost Interactions contributes to the future development of this rapidly evolving field by incorporating new approaches and ideas while still offering a summary of the current state of knowledge. It is perfect for advanced undergraduate students, postgraduate students, researchers, and professionals with an interest in polar and alpine environments.

From the Back Cover

Glacier-Permafrost Interactions

A systematic exploration of the interactions between glaciers and permafrost

In Glacier-Permafrost Interactions, experienced glaciologist Richard I. Waller delivers a comprehensive discussion of the interactions between glaciers and permafrost. The book is highly relevant to contemporary debates regarding ongoing recession of glaciers and the degradation of permafrost in the face of global warming. By integrating modern-era observations with findings from Quaternary science, this book demonstrates how glaciers and permafrost can interact and behave as an integrated system.

This summary of the current thinking and emerging research on glacier-permafrost interaction also provides:

• Comprehensive discussions of permafrost in modern and ancient glacial environments
• A focused review of the distinctive characteristics of glaciers found in permafrost environments
• An integrated overview of the nature and impacts of glacier-permafrost interactions on the hydrology and dynamic behaviour of glaciers and their landscape expression
• A survey of current research efforts and future directions in the field

Lying at the boundary between a research monograph and an advanced textbook, Glacier-Permafrost Interactions contributes to the future development of this rapidly evolving field by incorporating new approaches and ideas while still offering a summary of the current state of knowledge. It is perfect for advanced undergraduate students, postgraduate students, researchers, and professionals with an interest in polar and alpine environments.

About the Author

Richard I. Waller is a Senior Lecturer in Physical Geography at Keele University (United Kingdom).