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Collapse structure
A collapse structure is created as follows:
1) A cavity forms under the glacier or in the glacial ice.
2) This cavity becomes larger and larger by the supply of warm air and/or water.
3) As the size of the cavity increases, the stresses in the overlying ice cover increase and cracks form.
4) These cracks become crevasses and at some point the ice cover collapses.
5) As a rule, the ice of the collapsed ice cover melts away relatively quickly.
6) A collapse structure has been created.
Collapse structure with radial crevasses (Tiefen glacier 2019)
Approach of a collapse structure (Tiefen glacier 2019).
The radial fissures indicate that a larger cavity has formed under the ice at this point.
Diameter of the outer ring approx. 90m (measurement on aerial photo).
Large collapse structure. (Unteraar glacier 2018).
Size: ca. 100x70m (Measurement on aerial photo).
The large collapse structure of the Unteraar glacier in
Thickness of ice: approx. 20m (estimate)
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Published / Updated:
07.08.2019 /
13.08.2019
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