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Geomorphology and hydrogeological significance of the Holocene pingos in the Karup Valley area, Traill Island, northern east Greenland
Author(s) -
WORSLEY PETER,
GURNEY STEPHEN D.
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
journal of quaternary science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.142
H-Index - 94
eISSN - 1099-1417
pISSN - 0267-8179
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1099-1417(199605/06)11:3<249::aid-jqs241>3.0.co;2-4
Subject(s) - geology , holocene , permafrost , landform , geomorphology , hydrogeology , physical geography , hydrology (agriculture) , oceanography , geography , geotechnical engineering
Many of the geomorphologically diverse hydraulic pingos of Holocene age are described from within the catchment of the Karup river. Pingo morphology ranges from single features to complexes with over 10, from mature forms to degraded types. Evidence for different cycles of reactivation is seen. The two instances of active pingo springs are associated with substantial icings. Landform changes since Fritz Müller's observations in 1956 are generally minor. It is hypothesised that the concentration of hydraulic pingos in east Greenland may initially reflect residual higher heat flows following extensive early intrusive Tertiary volcanism. Despite a continuous permafrost climatic environment the undisputed presence of ground‐water flows and discharges, as evidenced by major icings and pingos in the valleys, suggests that structural weaknesses are controlling the taliks associated with the intrapermafrost hydrology.