Smooth Ice
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Smooth Ice

by Kay Helfricht, alpS Centre for Climate Change Adaptation Technologies, Innsbruck, Austria

Close-up of the ice surface on the roof of a former englacial conduit on the glacier tongue of Tellbreen, Svalbard. Air circulation at the ice surface is enhanced due to a partly collapse of the conduit. The advection of dry air causes enhanced sublimation. Increased sublimation appears on convex surfaces. Over time variations in the ice surface were reduced and the surface appears smoothed and polished.

Finalist in the EGU Photo Competition 2013