Metadata-catalogue of European spatial datasets

In order to facilitate a more effective accessibility of European spatial datasets, an assessment was carried out by the GeoDesk of the WUR to identify and describe key datasets that will be relevant for research carried out within WUR and MNP. The outline of the Metadata catalogue European spatial datasets, the classification of the datasets and the use of specific standards, is based on the work which was be done by the INSPIRE (INfrastructure for SPatial InfoRmation in Europe) initiative. The objective of the report is that it can speed up the process for identification of suitable datasets during the following steps: - to inform on the existence of European spatial datasets that could be relevant for a specific project; - to evaluate if a dataset will be suitable by exploring the metadata; - to indicate if a relevant spatial dataset is available and give directions how it can be obtaine

Controls upon the location and size of glacial overdeepenings

Overdeepening is an important glaciological and geomorphological process that has the potential to influence the response of ice masses to climatic changes. We have examined several hundred glacial overdeepenings proximal to/ within Labrador, Canada, to investigate the controls upon overdeepening location and size. Our analyses show that overdeepening appears to correlate strongly with glacial confluence and, importantly, the correlation is strongest where confluence-geometry indicates the speed up of ice-flow. Further, we find that the magnitude of ice-flow speed up correlates with overdeepening depth only for confluences situated in or near major geological fault-zones. Our findings therefore support the hypothesis that overdeepening can be initiated by an increase in ice velocity. Further, we conclude that overdeepening is most efficacious where fractured bedrock enables efficient quarrying