Introduction
Between 1957 and 1963 various field parties have carried out glaciological studies in the western region of the Ross Ice Shelf drainage system (Fig. 1), an area drained by glaciers feeding into the Ross Ice Shelf. Measurements of ice movement were made on the eight glaciers shown in Figure 2 in 1958 (Reference Wilson and CraryWilson and Crary, 1961) and in 1962–63 (Reference SwithinbankSwithinbank, 1963), and gravity observations were made across the valleys to measure valley cross-sections. These data provide a basis for estimating the rate of ice discharge from the plateau, which is compared with the estimated rate of net accumulation at the surface to determine the net budget of the ice sheet in the region. The gravity analysis is treated in some detail, but accumulation values (Reference GiovinettoGiovinetto, 1963) and ice-movement measurements (Reference SwithinbankSwithinbank, 1963) have been described earlier and are only briefly reviewed.
The drainage divides in Antarctica (modified after Reference GiovinettoGiovinetto (1964[b])) are shown with crosses. The area of the western part of the Ross Ice Shelf drainage system is vertically shaded. The drainage periphery extends from Cape Chocolate to Supporting Party Mountain
Glaciers flowing into the Ross Ice Shelf upon which the gravity and ice-movement measurements were made
Reduction of Gravity Data
The data
Values of observed gravity accurate to ±2 mgal were obtained at 144 stations (Appendix) from readings of the Worden gravimeter No. 291 adjusted to a base value of 982.992 gal at the McMurdo pendulum station (lat. 77° 53 1′ S., long. 166° 45.3′ E.; 11 m.; Fig. 1). The station positions were established by triangulation measurements adjusted to control points from sun shots. Absolute elevations of several stations on the ice shelf were obtained by repeated aneroid altimeter ties with McMurdo station. Pressure corrections were determined from daily weather maps and barograph data. Because of the imprecise nature of the pressure maps and the great distance from the barograph station, it is difficult to estimate accurately the uncertainty in the absolute elevations. For the areas most distant from McMurdo station errors may exceed ±50 m.; however, greater accuracy was realized for closer stations. Relative elevation differences across the glaciers were obtained with greater precision from theodolite and altimeter measurements referred to the glacier margins. These relative profiles were adjusted to the less precise sea-level datum values at ice-shelf stations. Table I gives estimates of the error in elevation for valley glaciers.
Accuracy of Elevation Measurements Used in the Reduction of Gravity Data, and Estimated Errors in the Measurements of Ice Discharge
Free-air anomalies
Free-air anomalies were computed for all stations. The accuracy of these was estimated from the elevation error and the constant 0.3086 mgal m.−1. Values of observed gravity, station positions and elevations, and free-air anomalies are tabulated in the Appendix.
Computation of Valley Cross-sections
The method
Valley cross-sections for the glaciers were computed from free-air anomalies corrected for the effect of terrain above the glacier surface (Appendix). Terrain corrections were computed by the line integral method (Reference HubbertHubbert, 1948) from cross-sectional sketches of valley sides made in the field. The estimated uncertainty of about 20 per cent in these corrections results from imprecise topographic and rock-density information, The free-air anomaly profile was assumed to be a function of subglacial rock-surface relief, which is a justifiable first approximation, because the density difference between ice (or water) and rock is much larger than contrasts between deeper rock units. Since it is reasonable to expect the average density to lie between 2.5 and 2.7 g. cm.−3, probable limits for subglacial rock elevation were established by computing theoretical gravity profiles for several two-dimensional valley models assigned these densities. Computations were made using the line integral approximation described by Reference TalwaniTalwani and others (1959).
Valley cross-sections
Figures 3 and 4 show two cross-sections for each valley and the corresponding gravity profiles compared with observed data. To show the possible effects due to the presence of low-density rock, calculations for Liv Glacier included an additional rock-elevation profile and an additional density value of 2.0 g. cm.−3. The computed gravity profiles were tied to the observed anomalies at the glacier margins. Since these profiles include most of the free-air anomalies, the cross-sections indicate the range within which true rock elevations lie. It is not justifiable to assume a narrower density range, and therefore it is not possible to estimate the elevation of the rock surface more precisely. A few observed values are not enclosed by the theoretical profiles; they probably result from the regional gravity anomaly along the western margin of the Ross Ice Shelf (Reference RobinsonRobinson, unpublished). Because the gravity meter measures change in a potential field gradient caused by nearby relief as well as that immediately beneath it, the analysis gives smoothed valley cross-sections with minimal indication of local subglacial features. The reliability of ice-thickness values (or valley depths where the glaciers are afloat; Fig. 3) determined from gravity data is assessed using data obtained by seismic-reflection measurements. One seismic measurement near the margin of Amundsen Glacier indicates a true rock elevation between the two profiles assumed for gravity calculations. The reliability of this method of computing valley cross-sections can be further considered by examining data from Skelton Glacier (Reference Wilson and CraryWilson and Crary, 1961). Figure 5 shows a valley cross-section for the line of observation points given in Figure 2. Seismic-reflection measurements were made at seven sites, and corresponding free-air anomalies were obtained at these and two additional points. Four theoretical gravity profiles were computed for this cross-section for assumed average rock densities of 2.3, 2.4, 2.5 and 2.7 g. cm.−3. These relative profiles were adjusted to observed free-air anomalies at the two most widely separated seismic sites: stations 61.2 and 61.6 (see circled points in Figure 5). The comparison of these profiles with observed anomalies at intermediate sites indicates that average rock density for the lower central part of the valley is between 2.3 and 2.4 g. cm.−3. Rock elevation was not precisely known near the glacier margins (sites 61.7 and 61.8), and an estimate of the average density along the steeper slopes near the sides of the valley cannot be obtained. It is reasonable toexpect a higher average density since a thinner low-density moraine would be expected on the steep slopes than in the center of the valley. Hence, there is justification in assuming a higher average density when calculating valley cross-sections from gravity profiles adjusted to observed values at the margins.
Valley cross-sections and corresponding gravity profiles for floating glaciers
Valley cross-sections and corresponding gravity profiles for grounded glaciers
Valley cross-section and corresponding gravity profiles for Skelton Glacier
Measured Ice Discharge
Areas of vertical cross-sections of ice, computed from the valley models, are given in Table I. The ice thickness of floating glaciers was calculated from surface elevation. Possible elevation error for floating ice and the two limiting profiles of rock elevation for the grounded ice are the basis for the estimates of uncertainty. To obtain the estimates of rates of ice discharge (Table I), values of average surface velocity, computed from triangulation measurements of stakes on glacier surfaces by Reference SwithinbankSwithinbank (1963), were used with areas of cross-sections. The area of the western half of the cross-section of Amundsen Glacier was estimated by extrapolation; the probable error is about 50 per cent. Table I also includes data of Reference Wilson and CraryWilson and Crary (1961) for Skelton Glacier.
In the sections where movement was measured on Beardmore, Nimrod, Byrd and Skelton Glaciers, the ice was afloat. Although surface velocity is probably representative of average velocity for floating ice, this is not true for grounded ice. Nothing is known about longitudinal slope or bed roughness for the glaciers, and so the average velocity for grounded glaciers cannot be estimated; therefore, the estimates of discharge represent upper limits. The total ice discharge through the eight glaciers is 33.7±10.9 km.3 yr.−1, or approximately (30±7) × 1015 g. yr.−1, using a mean density of 0.9 g. cm.−3 for the ice and firn. In the determination the individual errors for ice discharge were treated as standard errors. Unless otherwise specified, all errors are expressed as standard errors.
The Regime and the Mass Budget
The net mass budget for the western part of the Ross Ice Shelf drainage system is the difference between the rate of net mass accumulation at the surface and the rate of mass output at the drainage periphery. The drainage periphery is the boundary of grounded ice lying between Cape Chocolate (lat. 77° 58′ S., long. 164° 37′ E.) and the north-western extremity of Supporting Party Mountain (approximately lat. 85° 27′ S., long. 147° 50′ W.).
Net Mass Accumulation at the Surface
Taking into account the area of net ablation at the surface in regions where surface slope favors snow deflation and a composite error due to uncertainties in the determination of mean accumulation (21 per cent) and area (15 per cent) for the whole Ross Ice Shelf drainage system (Reference Giovinetto and MellorGiovinetto, 1964[a]), the rate of total accumulation for the drainage system is estimated to be (96±25) × 1015 g. yr.−1. The mean accumulation is 5.5±1.2 g. cm.−2 yr.−1, and the area is (1.75±0.26) × 106km.2 (Reference GiovinettoGiovinetto, 1964[b]). The mean accumulation data selected for particular locations are those obtained using two different methods (Reference CraryCrary, 1963; Reference GiovinettoGiovinetto, 1963). These values were selected in preference to greater mean values for particular locations which were reported in earlier studies (Reference ListerLister, 1960).
Mass Output at the Drainage Periphery
Glacier width
For purposes of extrapolating values of ice discharge the combined widths have been estimated at the drainage periphery of glaciers classified into four categories. The estimates were made from the chart of Antarctica (1 : 3,000,000; 1962) compiled by the American Geographical Society, supplemented by recent aerophotographic material (Reference SeeligSeelig, 1964; Reference SwithinbankSwithinbank, 1964). Examination of photographs indicates that estimates based upon the chart alone would be about 15 per cent too large. The four glacier categories are described below and the combined widths of glaciers in each are given. (i) Outlet glaciers draining large inland basins are Robert Scott, Amundsen, Shackleton, Beardmore, Nimrod, Byrd and Mulock Glaciers (Reference SwithinbankSwithinbank, 1964). They have a combined width of 125 km. at the drainage periphery. (ii) Outlet glaciers draining small inland basins are Isaiah Bowman, Axel Heiberg, Liv, Lennox-King, Darwin and Skelton Glaciers with a combined width of 80 km. (Fig. 2). (iii) Thirteen glaciers are classified as “cirque” glaciers in this discussion. These glaciers drain regions limited by the drainage periphery and the main ridge of the Trans-Antarctic Mountains which are not drained by tributaries to the outlet glaciers. Their combined width is 140 km. (iv) “Piedmont” glaciers flowing eastward from the main ridge of the Trans-Antarctic Mountains principally between lat. 80°45′ and 82° 10′ S. have a combined width of 250 km.
The error in the estimate of total width of the glaciers is approximately 10 per cent, although it is greater for individual glaciers where mapping is inadequate. Nine relatively small cirque glaciers with a total width of 40 km. are shown in the American Geographical Society’s chart. They were excluded from this study because their topography inland is totally unknown; according to the chart they intersect the drainage periphery at approximately lat. 88° 50′ S. (one), 83° S. (two), 83° 25′ S. (one), and between lat. 84° 30′ and 84° 50′ S. (five).
Mass output in outlet glaciers (large basins)
The glaciers listed in Table I (with exception of Liv and Skelton Glaciers) are representative of outlet glaciers draining large basins. The extrapolated value of ice discharge based on the total width of all outlet glaciers is 35.4 ±10.9 km.3 yr.−1 or (32±10) × 1015 g. yr.−1. The rate of ice discharge for Shackleton Glacier is estimated to be 3.0±0.6 km.3 yr.−1, assuming a mean ice discharge for the outlet glaciers of 0.19±0.4 km.3 km.−1 yr.−1. The mean ice discharge per kilometer and the error for Shackleton Glacier are estimated using the smaller of the two magnitudes of ice discharge evident in Table I. The mean for Robert Scott, Amundsen, Beardmore, Nimrod and Mulock Glaciers is approximately 0.19 km.3 km.−1 yr.−1. The mean for Byrd Glacier is approximately 0.68 km.3 km.−1 yr.−1.
Mass output in outlet glaciers (small basins)
Using the data from Liv and Skelton Glaciers, the mean ice discharge for outlet glaciers draining relatively small basins is estimated to be approximately 0.05±0.02 km.3 km.−1 yr.−1 (the error of 38 per cent is estimated simply by doubling the error computed for ice discharge in Liv Glacier). Hence, their contribution to the ice shelf is 4.0±1.5 km.3 km.3 yr.−1 or (4±1) × 1015 g. yr.−1.
Mass output in “cirque” and “piedmont” glaciers
No measurements of ice discharge have been made on cirque and piedmont glaciers, but the rate of mass output can be estimated from the snowshed area and the corresponding rate of accumulation. The drainage periphery is approximately 1,100 km. long, and includes 205 km. of outlet glaciers, 250 km. of piedmont glaciers, and 140 km. of cirque glaciers. The remaining 500 km. correspond to the perimeter of narrow capes and peninsulas where mass movement is parallel to the drainage periphery, tributary glaciers feeding into outlet and cirque glaciers. These tributary glaciers are of three main types, i.e. valley, cirque and hanging glaciers.
The piedmont glaciers flow eastward on the flanks of the Trans-Antarctic Mountains, principally between lat. 80° 45′ and 82° 10′ S. They drain an area which extends directly inland from the drainage periphery to the main ridge of the Trans-Antarctic Mountains; these lie, in general, between 50 and 100 km. from each other. Hence the combined snowshed area of 19,000±6,000 km.2 is obtained from the periphery width of 250 km. and the inland extent of 75±25 km. The estimated mean net accumulation of 25±5 g. cm.−2 yr.−1 (Reference GiovinettoGiovinetto, 1963, Reference Giovinetto and Mellor1964[a]) and the assumption that the piedmont glaciers are in a situation of steady-state determine the total mass output to be (5±2) × 1015 g. cm.−2 yr.−1.
The remaining 850 km. of the drainage periphery and the main ridge of the Trans-Antarctic Mountains (75±25 km. apart) limit an area of 64,000±21,000 km.2. Here tributary glaciers drain into outlet and cirque glaciers. Such a discharge into outlet glaciers has already been accounted for; it remains to estimate the ice discharge by tributary glaciers into cirque glaciers. It is assumed that from the combined snowshed area of 64,000±28,000 km.2 the area of regions drained through tributaries by cirque and outlet glaciers is proportional to the width of these glaciers at the drainage periphery (140 and 205 km., respectively). Hence the total area drained by cirque glaciers is 26,000±9,000 km.2. Using the estimated mean netaccumulation of 25±5 g. cm.−2 yr.−1 and assuming a situation of steady-state, the rate of mass output is (7±2) × 1015 g. yr.−1.
Total mass output
The loss of mass by surface ablation in outlet and cirque glaciers is negligible relative to the amount of total ice discharge, and has been accounted for in estimating net accumulation at the surface. The mass loss by oceanic melting from the four glaciers where the drainage periphery lies in floating sections is also negligible because: (i) Beardmore Glacier is grounded a few kilometers up-stream from the section where ice movement was measured. (ii) The remaining three glaciers, with a total width of only 55 km. are probably grounded inland from the main ridge of the Trans-Antarctic Mountains. If the rate of bottom melting in these glaciers is one-half the rate estimated by Reference CraryCrary (1964) for “Little America V” (Fig. 1), i.e. 30 g. cm.−2 yr.−1, mass loss by oceanic melting is about 1015 g. yr.−1. This value was neglected as it would not change the estimates of ice discharge by outlet and cirque glaciers at the drainage periphery (grounded ice).
From the factors given, the total mass flux at the 1,100 km. long periphery is estimated to be (48±15) × 1015 g. yr.−1.
Mass flux
Despite the relatively low rate of mass output, exceptionally high rates of ice movement in some of the outlet glaciers and correspondingly great mass flux occur (Reference SwithinbankSwithinbank, 1964), caused by the damming effect of the Trans-Antarctic Mountains. Mean mass flux at the drainage periphery is estimated at (0.04±0.01) × 1015 g. km.−1 yr.−1; this rate is relatively low compared with the mean mass flux for the periphery of the grounded ice sheet in Antarctica ((0.9±0.5) × 1015 g. km.−1 yr.−1; Reference GiovinettoGiovinetto, 1964[b]). From the discussion on estimating values of ice discharge for different types of glaciers the following mean values of mass flux are deduced: mass flux in outlet glaciers with large drainage basins is approximately 0.25 × 1015 g. km.−1 yr.−1; in outlet glaciers with small basins and cirque glaciers it is 0.05 × 1015 g. km.−1 yr.−1; and in piedmont glaciers it is 0.02 × 1015 g. km.−1 yr.−1;. The values of mass flux at the grounded (or close to grounded) periphery sections of single glaciers listed in Table I range from less than 0.02 × 1015 to 0.68 × 1015 g. km.−1 yr.−1;. Factors greater than 30 between mean values of mass flux for single glaciers and greater than 10 between mean values for particular glacier types demonstrate the physiographic complexity of the drainage periphery.
Net Budget
The difference between the estimates of mass input ((96±25) × 1015 g. yr.−1) and mass output ((48±15) × 1015 g. yr.−1) suggests a positive net budget ((48±29) × 1015 g. yr.−1). It would be unrealistic to make a rigorous significance test on the net budget estimate because the “mean” values of mass input and output are estimates based on sets of heterogeneous data, and the standard errors are estimates themselves. Nevertheless, the net budget estimate is 1.7 times the standard error, including a large probability that the net budget is different from zero.
Concluding Remarks
The preceding discussion, stressing the errors in all estimates and the magnitude of the standard error, shows that a net budget of 50 per cent is not significant. This has been stated before regarding Antarctic drainage systems (Reference Giovinetto and MellorGiovinetto, 1964[a]).
The present estimate of the net budget might be questioned, because the data cover periods of 2 yr. (mass output) and 5 yr. (mass input). The temporal variability of the rate of mass output is unknown, but it is reasonable to assume that it would be less variable than the rate of mass input which can be estimated. The variability of the rate of precipitation decreases as the area for which the variability is estimated increases (e.g. Reference SchwerdtfegerSchwerdtfeger, 1951). A correlation study of accumulation data for periods longer than 100 yr. at three stations shown in Figure 1, i.e. South Pole (Reference GiovinettoGiovinetto, 1960), Wilkes S-2 (Cameron and others, 1959; Fig. 1) and “Little America V” (Reference GowGow, 1963) indicates that the variability of 10 yr. means of net accumulation at the surface for comparable areas is approximately 2 per cent (personal communication from W. Schwerdtfeger) or 3 per cent for 5 yr. means. Evidently the difference between the rates of mass input and mass output cannot be caused completely by their variability.
There is no evidence of a significant secular change in the rates of mass input and output which would justify re-estimating the net budget. Approximately one-half the amount of the total mass input corresponds to a 200 km. wide zone adjacent to the drainage periphery (Reference GiovinettoGiovinetto, 1963). A significant change in the rate of mass input should be detectable as a change in the rate of mass output after a few decades, certainly less than 100 yr. (e.g. Reference WeertmanWeertman, 1958). However, in a study of the significant increase in the rate of accumulation at the South Pole between 1760 and 1957 (Reference Giovinetto and SchwerdtfegerGiovinetto and Schwerdtfeger, 1966), it is shown that there were no significant changes in the rate of accumulation for comparable periods at “Little America V” and Wilkes S-2 (Fig. 1). Hence there is evidence to support a secular increase in the rate of accumulation only in the southern part of the system where accumulation is small.
Acknowledgements
The field work and data analysis were supported by grants from the National Science Foundation to the University of Michigan and the University of Wisconsin. Logistics support was provided by the U.S. Navy. Individuals whose help in field work or in data reduction made this work possible are: D. G. Darby, E. Dorrer, D. Lavin, O. Liestøl, H. W. Linder, J. J. Olson, A. S. Rundle, T. E. Taylor, E. Thiel (deceased) and J. Tuck. It is a pleasure to acknowledge the critical review of the manuscript by C. R. Bentley, K. W. Butzer and W. Schwerdtfeger.
Appendix
Gravity Values: 1961–62 Ross Ice Shelf Glaciology Traverse
Gravity Values: 1958–59 “Littile America V”–Victoria Land Traverse
