Current geomorphic processes and recent morphological changes were investigated in the lower ablation and proglacial zones of the White and Thompson glacier complex, Axel Heiberg Island, Northwest Territories. Study of glacier front evolution and frontal moraine development over the last three decades (1959-1989) is based on photographic, cartographic and geodetic information acquired by researchers since the late 1950's updated by surveys of glacier-distal moraine perimeter position in the summer of 1989. Even though both glaciers are juxtaposed in the lowermost ablation zone, it was found that the White Glacier has receded circa 100 m while the Thompson Glacier front has progressed downvalley by approximately 500 m. Other findings include: (1) the uneven retreat of the White Glacier ice front; (2) the shrinking widthwise of the White Glacier and lengthwise of its frontal moraine due to the pushing action of the advancing Thompson Glacier and (3) the asymmetric development of the Thompson Glacier frontal moraine. / A series of measured transects and comparative photography for 1989 and 1990 provided information on short-term morphologic changes occurring within and beyond the moraine complex.

The work outlined in this thesis was a part of the program of glacial studies undertaken by the Arctic Research Expedition to Axel Heiberg Island, N. W. T., during the summer of 1960. The expedition was organized for the purpose of investigating the fields of glaciology, geology, meteorology, botany and other closely related subjects as they applied to Axel Heiberg Island. [...]

Thesis (M. Sc.)--Carleton University, 1992. / Also available in electronic format on the Internet.

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