The Geographical Journal (Journal of the Royal Geographical Society): Volume IX, No. 4 [‎190r] (50/172)

THE FIRST CROSSING OF SPITSBERGEN—DISCUSSION.
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which has been caught up and deposited greatly above its original level. As far
as we can see, the glaciers in Spitsbergen are for the most part advancing.
As we approach its westerly termination, this great glacier is seen over-riding
its old terminal moraine (Fig. V.), whilst Fig. VI., taken further to the west,
shows a remnant of the terminal moraine with the ice advancing over it.
An interesting point to notice is the mode of advance of these glaciers; the top
layers, shearing over the lower ones, advance more rapidly, until they overhang to
such an extent that they break off, forming a “talus” of ice below; over this°the
glacier advances, finally over-riding the moraine completely (Fig. VII.). Glaciers
advancing in this manner do not, therefore, push forward loose material lying in
their path, but flow over it; the lower layers of ice, embayed behind this obstacle, are,
however, dragged over it by the upper advancing layers, and bring up with them
fragments of the raised beach frozen into their under surface. Dr. Gregory and
myself found no difficulty in collecting fragments of driftwood, shells, and bones
of whales, mixed with pebbles, which had been raised several hundred feet above
the original level of the beach in this manner. This fact is of great interest.
I went up that peak of which Sir Martin Conway spoke, to study the advance
of Booming glacier. From here you can clearly see the character of the advance ;
the snout and sides of the glacier are over-riding the old terminal and lateral
moraines, leaving a depression in the centre. Looking down on it in this way, it
bears a striking resemblance to a large dish of trifle, the sides of which are edged
with biscuits, represented here by the shattered pinnacles of ice.
It is interesting to compare the terminal face of Booming glacier with that of
its shrunken tributary from the Baldhead, now fast receding into its own valley
(Fig. VIII.), the latter showing the retreating snout characteristic of an average
Swiss glacier, while in the distance can be seen the old lateral moraine.
The next photograph (Fig. IX.) shows a nearer view of the advancing front of
Booming glacier, with its characteristic ice “ talus.” Figs. X. and XI. are two views,
one looking down the glacier, and the other looking up; in both of these the raised
•edge and depressed centre are noticeable. During our first visit, Dr. Gregory and
I attempted to cross the glacier. I succeeded in getting up one side, but we
doubted if the descent of the other side would prove feasible, and prudently beat
a retreat—a precaution which my subsequent observations completely justified
(Fig. IX.).
The last view (Fig. XII.) shows the upper part of the glacier, where the centre
is shrinking away from the sides. In both this and the neighbouring valley the
shrinkage was plainly visible.
An important point to consider is, “Why is this glacier advancing?” It
might be said, “ Because the climate is getting colder.” I am inclined to think
that the advance is due, on the contrary, to an amelioration in the climate. The
centre has a shrunken appearance in the upper part of the basin; it is, in fact, being
drawn away from the sides of the valley. This would not be the case if the advance
were due to an increase in the snowfall, and the fact that the Baldhead glacier,
before alluded to (Fig. VIII.), is retreating, although occurring in the same snow-
basin, also militates against this hypothesis. We know that a rise in temperature
increases the mobility of ice, causing it to move more rapidly, and we must, I
think, attribute to this cause the general advance of the Spitsbergen glaciers at the
present day, rather than to any refrigeration of the climate.
Sir Martin Conway has told you of the difficulties we had with the sledges
drawn by ponies. It has been suggested to me that we did not use the right
draught-animal, and, as many of you may wish to go to the district after listening
to Sir Martin Conway’s very interesting paper to-night, I have brought you an