Geomorphology and Mass Budget of Peyto Glacier, Alberta

Abstract

<p>As part of Canada's contribution to the International Hydrological Decade, the mass budget of Peyto Glacier, Alberta was determined for the budget year 1964-1965 from measurements of total accumulation and ablation. The mass budget is considered in relation to long-term climatic trends at Lake Louise. Techniques are described which permit detailed ablation rates to be related periodically and seasonally to weather conditions and topography of the glacier. Melt-river hydrology was provisionally established and is related to ablation and weather. The lacier and its features are described and glacial landforms are discussed to clarify ice recession in Peyto Valley. The trend and form of the valley is shown to be due to geological structure.</p>