"Our study provides new insights into the processes that controlled the growth and retreat of glaciers during the last ice age," said lead author Dr. Christopher Plude, a postdoctoral researcher at Lamont-Doherty. "This information could help us better predict how glaciers will respond to future climate change."
The researchers used a variety of data to develop their model, including measurements of the river's current flow and sediment load, as well as geological evidence for past changes in the river's course. They found that changes in the river's flow and sediment load caused the glacier to grow and retreat in different ways.
For example, when the river's flow was high, it carried more sediment downstream and deposited it on the glacier's surface. This sediment acted as a blanket that insulated the glacier from the sun's heat, causing it to grow thicker. Conversely, when the river's flow was low, it carried less sediment downstream and the glacier was exposed to more heat, causing it to retreat.
The researchers also found that the river's flow and sediment load were influenced by changes in climate. For example, during periods of cold climate, the river's flow was higher and it carried more sediment downstream. This caused the glacier to grow thicker. Conversely, during periods of warm climate, the river's flow was lower and it carried less sediment downstream. This caused the glacier to retreat.
The researchers' model provides a new way to understand how glaciers grew and retreated during the last ice age. This information could help us better predict how glaciers will respond to future climate change.
