Castles & karst |
Hydrology
The hydrology of the Castleguard karst region is complex. The water comes from snowfield melts, glacier ice and snow, and rainfall. The Central Icefield is severely crevassed, so meltwater quickly moves down and out of sight. Conditions at the small glaciers surrounding Mt. Castleguard are variable, and it is probable that some of the subglacial water sinks into the limestone below.
There are four aquifer elements in the area: the Cathedral Formation, the Eldon and Pika formations, unconsolidated deposits, and glacier ice.
The major karst aquifer, is the Cathedral limestone. The Cathedral limestone contains Castleguard Cave and the systems, Castleguard II and III. Groundwater is also present in widespread, unconsolidated deposits in the area, however, the hydrological role depends on the textural characteristics. Usually, they are somewhat impermeable and function as aquicludes. Temperate glacier ice is also an aquifer; the permeability of ice is very low, but surface meltwater can sometimes reach the glacier bed through crevasses and moulins. In spring, a buildup of basal water pressure leads to the development of conduit networks that lead to the snout. It has been concluded that, in the Castleguard area, karst subglacial drainage is likely where ice is in contact with the Eldon-Pika and Cathedral formations. The aquifer recharge depends on meteorological events and the hydrology and topography of sink points.
There are four aquifer elements in the area: the Cathedral Formation, the Eldon and Pika formations, unconsolidated deposits, and glacier ice.
The major karst aquifer, is the Cathedral limestone. The Cathedral limestone contains Castleguard Cave and the systems, Castleguard II and III. Groundwater is also present in widespread, unconsolidated deposits in the area, however, the hydrological role depends on the textural characteristics. Usually, they are somewhat impermeable and function as aquicludes. Temperate glacier ice is also an aquifer; the permeability of ice is very low, but surface meltwater can sometimes reach the glacier bed through crevasses and moulins. In spring, a buildup of basal water pressure leads to the development of conduit networks that lead to the snout. It has been concluded that, in the Castleguard area, karst subglacial drainage is likely where ice is in contact with the Eldon-Pika and Cathedral formations. The aquifer recharge depends on meteorological events and the hydrology and topography of sink points.