AbstractEvidence of a recent (1985) ice-cliff avalanche from an outlet lobe of a small plateau ice cap on north-west Ellesmere Island is discussed. Former avalanche events are evidenced by debris lying outside the 1985 avalanche material. Periodic activity seems to be linked to the build-up of melt water in the crevasses of the outlet lobe during the melt season. The exact magnitude and frequency of events are unknown. Some implications to geomorphology and the sedimentology of sub-polar glaciers are discussed.
