The morphometric analysis of both relict and contemporary subglacial terrains, either as a mosaic of discrete landforms (e.g., drumlins; eskers) or as a continuous field (e.g., subglacial roughness), has improved our understanding of the subglacial conditions and processes that control glacier dynamics. For example, in parallel with data from contemporary subglacial environments, the morphometric (shape, size, spatiality) and sedimentary properties of relict subglacial landforms such as drumlins and mega-scale glacial lineations (longitudinal subglacial bedforms), ribbed moraine (transverse subglacial bedforms) and eskers (glaciofluvial ridges), have been linked to specific subglacial conditions and processes (e.g., degree of ice-bed coupling; meltwater plumbing systems) and ice flow dynamics. Such morphogenetic relationships have been fundamental in palaeoglaciological reconstructions, but uncertainties about the genesis of subglacial landforms persist and thus further testing is needed. Such tests should focus on more complete and accurate inventories and analyses of subglacial landform morphometry and sedimentary architecture. Continuous field analysis of subglacial terrain has been mostly based on the measurement of contemporary subglacial (bed) roughness (related to sliding velocity), typically at relatively large geographic scales and with relatively coarse elevation data. Constraining the glaciological significance of bed roughness requires more studies at larger cartographic scales and considering a multitude of controlling factors and the subglacial landform (morphogenetic) record. This can be better done on relict subglacial terrain (high resolution DEMs and detailed geomorphological maps).

We invite scientific contributions that include, but are not limited to: i) morphometric inventories of subglacial landforms; ii) the morphometric characterization of subglacial terrain as a continuous field (e.g., subglacial roughness); iii) morphometric method development (e.g., mapping methodologies; new metrics; digital terrain model processing and generation); iv) subglacial sediment-landform associations; v) subglacial landform genetic models and their testing; vi) the use of subglacial landforms in palaeoglaciological reconstructions; and vii) observations from contemporary subglacial environments.

This session will lead to a special issue in ESPL (Earth Surface Processes and Landforms; IF: 2.845). If you plan to contribute with a submission, please let the conveners know in advance.

Invited speakers:
- Chris Stokes (University of Durham) – Geomorphology of ice stream beds: recent progress and future challenges
- Colman Gallagher (University College Dublin) - Eskers and other evidence of wet-based glaciation in Phlegra Montes, Mars