University of Oregon Researcher Studies Glacier Behavior at Mendenhall and Shakes Glaciers in Alaska
A University of Oregon graduate student, Benson, is conducting research on the behavior of lake-terminating glaciers, focusing on Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau and Shakes Glacier near Wrangell, Alaska. This research aims to understand why lake-terminating glaciers are losing mass at a significantly higher rate compared to marine glaciers. Benson's study involves mapping the topography beneath the lakes, measuring water temperatures, and analyzing sediment levels. At Mendenhall Lake, her team observed that the water became cooler throughout the summer, suggesting increased glacier melt was cooling the system. In contrast, Shakes Lake, which is considerably larger, showed expected warming throughout the season, indicating its size might buffer the temperature changes from glacier melt. Drone mapping at both glaciers revealed caves forming at the base of the glacier faces, along with cooler temperatures and increased sediment in the water, confirming glacier melt through cracks at the base.
