Schmelzkanäl

Schmelzkanäl are features found on the surface of glaciers and ice sheets. The term is German, translating to "melt channels" or "melt streams." These are essentially channels carved into the ice by flowing meltwater. When surface ice melts due to solar radiation or warmer air temperatures, the water begins to flow downhill. As it flows, it erodes the ice, creating small rivulets that can coalesce into larger channels.

These channels are dynamic features, constantly changing shape and size. They can be shallow depressions or deep, narrow cuts in the ice. The formation and evolution of Schmelzkanäl are influenced by factors such as the rate of melting, the amount of meltwater, the ice surface topography, and the underlying ice temperature. In some cases, these channels can transport meltwater deep into the glacier, potentially reaching the bed. This subglacial meltwater can play a significant role in glacier dynamics, affecting ice flow rates. Schmelzkanäl are a visible indicator of surface melting and are important for understanding the hydrological processes within glaciers and ice sheets, particularly in the context of climate change and its impact on ice mass balance. They are a common sight on temperate glaciers during the melt season.