Research progress of the glacier seismology

Abstract

Combining the advantages of Glaciology and seismology, Glacier seismology formes a young interdisciplinary subject. Icequakes refer to the vibration generated during the movement and rupture of a glacier, ranging from small creaks to sudden rupture or sliding equivalent to an earthquake (MW7). According to the location and mechanism of icequakes, the icequakes can be divided into five types: surface crevasses, stick-slip motion, iceberg calving, subglacial water flow and hydrofracturing. In addition to traditional seismological methods, icequake research can be used combing with multidisciplinary methods such as GPS, numerical simulation, and glacier physical properties. Icequake research can further explore the occurrence process and risk assessment of ice avalanches. We reviewed the research progress of glacier seismology. Moreover, we introduced part of the glacial earthquake research work carried out by domestic researchers in the Tibetan Plateau. Finally, we comprehensively discussed the enlightenments from glacier earthquakes to natural earthquake research.

Keywords

• glacier seismology
• tibetan plateau
• earthquakes