Gravity Measurements on the Barnes Icecap, Baffin Island

Abstract

"A survey was made (during the Baffin Island Expedition of the Arctic Institute of North America, 1950) of the southeastern lobe of the Barnes Icecap to determine ice thickness and topographical features of the underlying rock surface by means of the gravimeter method. Gravity was measured at stations along 7 traverses (45 mi) with a Worden gravimeter no. 44 equipped with a high range reset mechanism and controlled by a dial calibrated in gravity units. The methods of calculation and the sources of errors are indicated. The measured surface elevations and the computed rock elevations and ice thicknesses for the traverses are shown diagrammatically, and tables present the principal facts for gravity stations. The greatest ice thickness indicated by the results is 1,533 ft. The greatest slope occurs where the rock elevation changes about 60 ft in 0.75 mi. The floor of the icecap near the middle of the lobe averages about 100 ft lower than near the margin."--SIPRE.