Fountain Glacier hydrologyThe hydrology of the glacier is being studied by scientists from the University of Calgary. The drainage system is extremely well developed on the glacier surface, comprising numerous incised supraglacial streams and two impressive deep canyons. Drainage is, to some, degree, controlled by ice structures such as foliation and arcuate fractures. | |||
 A spectacular canyon, occupied by a supraglacial stream, runs downglacier for several kilometres. Here, in its middle section, the dusty brown ice and clean snow of the canyon walls contrast strongly with the turquoise of the stream. |  As the surface profile of the glacier steepens, the canyon becomes more deeply incised and the walls approach vertical. |  The stream follows a deep meandering narrow cleft in the bottom of the canyon. |  The meandering channel at the base of the canyon, with prominent spurs between meanders. |
 The canyon terminates at the snout as a steep gully with waterfalls. |  A small supraglacial stream pours over a waterfall at the terminal face of the glacier. |  One of the smaller supraglacial streams on the gently graded part of the glacier. |  A cryoconite hole, about 15 cm in diameter, containing ‘cryoconite’ comprising fine-grained sediment partly coagulated by algae and microbes |
 Supraglacial streams are typically stepped and sinuous, even where the glacier surface gradient is uniform. |  Extensive surface melting and abundant small supraglacial streams characterise the surface of the snout during a warm July afternoon. Ice structure commonly controls the location of streams. |  Englacial stream emerging at the surface of a dead ice area near the true left-hand margin. |  Sharp changes in gradient in this steep supraglacial stream channel, give rise to a fountain-like effect. |
 Three images, taken over several seconds, of a waterfall at the glacier snout, showing unusually strong pulsatory flow of water in a supraglacial stream. A surge is starting at the top right of the first image. |  Richard Waller about to cross a supraglacial stream. These features are among the most photogenic features to be found on glaciers. | ||
| Photos Michael Hambrey, July 2014 | |||