A theory of glacier surges

We propose a model of glacier flow that is capable of explaining temperate glacier surges. For large enough accumulation rates, a glacier will undergo regular relaxation oscillations, resembling a surge. The surge is triggered at the point of maximum stress; from this point two hydraulic transition fronts travel up and down glacier to calculable boundary points. At these fronts, the tunnel drainage system collapses, and a high water pressure cavity drainage system is installed. This activated zone has high velocities and quickly relaxes (surges) to a quasi-equilibrium state. -from Author