þrýstijöklum

Thrystijöklum is an Icelandic term that translates to "thrust glaciers" or "compressing glaciers." It refers to a type of glacier where the ice flow is primarily driven by pressure from behind, rather than by the steepness of the underlying slope. This can occur in various geological settings, including ice caps, large valley glaciers, or even within the ice sheet itself.

The key characteristic of a thrystijökull is that the ice is pushed forward by the sheer weight and accumulation of ice in a higher elevation area. This can lead to significant ice movement even on relatively gentle gradients. The immense pressure causes the ice to deform and flow, overriding any obstacles in its path.

These glaciers can be found in regions with substantial ice accumulation, such as Greenland or Antarctica, where the vast ice sheets generate immense internal pressure. In Iceland, smaller examples might exist where ice caps feed outlet glaciers with a strong behind-pushing component. The study of thrystijöklum is important for understanding glacial dynamics, ice sheet behavior, and their contribution to sea-level rise. Their unique flow mechanisms differentiate them from glaciers dominated by gravitational pull on steep slopes.