Structures and Deformation in Glaciers and Ice Sheets

The aims of this review are to: (a) describe and interpret structures in valley glaciers relation to strain history; (b) explore how these inform our understanding the kinematics large ice masses, a wide range other aspects glaciology. Structures give insight as deforms at macroscopic larger scale. also provide information concerning deformation history masses over centuries millennia. From geological perspective, can be considered models rock deformation, but with rates change that measurable on human time-scale. However, structural assemblages commonly complex, unraveling them determine is challenging; it thus requires approach geologist. A present glaciers: primary include sedimentary stratification various veins; secondary result brittle ductile crevasses, faults, crevasse traces, foliation, folds, boudinage structures. Some structures, notably relate well measured strain-rates, explain analysis cumulative required. occur all irrespective size, they therefore recognizable streams shelves. Structural approaches have (but yet under-developed potential) application sub-disciplines glaciology, glacier hydrology, debris entrainment transfer, landform development, microbiological investigations, interpretation glacier-like features Mars.