scholarly journals Relation between the Mass Balance of Western Canadian Mountain Glaciers and Meteorological Data

1988 ◽  
Vol 34 (116) ◽  
pp. 11-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Letréguilly
Keyword(s):  
Mass Balance ◽  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Winter Precipitation ◽  
Summer Temperature ◽  
Equilibrium Line ◽  
Regression Equations ◽  
Equilibrium Line Altitude ◽  
Mountain Glaciers

AbstractThe mass balance, summer balance, winter balance, and equilibrium-line altitude of three Canadian glaciers (Peyto, Place, and Sentinel Glaciers) are compared with the meteorological records of neighbouring stations for the period 1966—84. While Peyto Glacier’s mass balance is almost entirely related to summer temperature, Sentinel Glacier’s mass balance is mostly controlled by winter precipitation. Place Glacier is influenced by both elements. Statistical reconstructions are presented for the three glaciers, using the best regression equations with the meteorological records since 1938.

scholarly journals Relation between the Mass Balance of Western Canadian Mountain Glaciers and Meteorological Data

1988 ◽  
Vol 34 (116) ◽  
pp. 11-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Letréguilly
Keyword(s):  
Mass Balance ◽  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Winter Precipitation ◽  
Summer Temperature ◽  
Equilibrium Line ◽  
Regression Equations ◽  
Equilibrium Line Altitude ◽  
Mountain Glaciers

AbstractThe mass balance, summer balance, winter balance, and equilibrium-line altitude of three Canadian glaciers (Peyto, Place, and Sentinel Glaciers) are compared with the meteorological records of neighbouring stations for the period 1966—84. While Peyto Glacier’s mass balance is almost entirely related to summer temperature, Sentinel Glacier’s mass balance is mostly controlled by winter precipitation. Place Glacier is influenced by both elements. Statistical reconstructions are presented for the three glaciers, using the best regression equations with the meteorological records since 1938.

scholarly journals The Northeast Asia mountain glaciers in the near future by AOGCM scenarios

2010 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 435-445 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. D. Ananicheva ◽  
A. N. Krenke ◽  
R. G. Barry
Keyword(s):  
Mass Balance ◽  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Northeast Asia ◽  
Morphological Structure ◽  
Kamchatka Peninsula ◽  
Baseline Period ◽  
Equilibrium Line Altitude ◽  
Mountain Glaciers ◽  
Glacier System ◽  
Glacier Terminus

Abstract. We studied contrasting glacier systems in continental (Orulgan, Suntar-Khayata and Chersky) mountain ranges, located in the region of the lowest temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere at the boundary of Atlantic and Pacific influences – and maritime ones (Kamchatka Peninsula) – under Pacific influence. Our purpose is to present a simple projection method to assess the main parameters of these glacier regions under climate change. To achieve this, constructed vertical profiles of mass balance (accumulation and ablation) based both on meteorological data for the 1950–1990s (baseline period) and ECHAM4 for 2049–2060 (projected period) are used, the latter – as a climatic scenario. The observations and scenarios were used to define the recent and future equilibrium line altitude and glacier terminus altitude level for each glacier system as well as areas and balance components. The altitudinal distributions of ice areas were determined for present and future, and they were used for prediction of glacier extent versus altitude in the system taking into account the correlation between the ELA and glacier-terminus level change. We tested two hypotheses of ice distribution versus altitude in mountain (valley) glaciers – "linear" and "non-linear". The results are estimates of the possible changes of the areas and morphological structure of northeastern Asia glacier systems and their mass balance characteristics for 2049–2060. Glaciers in the southern parts of northeastern Siberia and those covering small ranges in Kamchatka will likely disappear under the ECHAM4 scenario; the best preservation of glaciers will be on the highest volcanic peaks of Kamchatka. Finally, we compare characteristics of the stability of continental and maritime glacier systems under global warming.

scholarly journals Extension of Glacier de Saint-Sorlin, French Alps, and equilibrium-line altitude during the Little Ice Age

2002 ◽  
Vol 48 (160) ◽  
pp. 118-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louis Lliboutry
Keyword(s):  
Little Ice Age ◽  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Vertical Gradient ◽  
Winter Precipitation ◽  
Ice Age ◽  
Equilibrium Line ◽  
Equilibrium Line Altitude ◽  
French Alps ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Accumulation Area Ratio

AbstractGlacier de Saint-Sorlin, French Alps, left terminal moraines at 1.3, 2.9 and 3.7 km ahead of the present terminus. According to proxy data and to historical maps, these were formed in the 19th, 18th and 17th centuries, respectively. A plateau at 2700–2625 m was then surrounded by ice but never became an accumulation area. This fact shows that the equilibrium-line altitude (ELA) on the glacier never dropped below 2300 m. The following simple models apply sufficiently to yield reliable estimations of past ELA: (1) a uniform and constant vertical gradient of the mass balance, down to the terminus; and (2) a plane bed, with a slope of 8.5° and a uniform width. Then in a steady situation the accumulation–area ratio is 1/2. Compared to the mean for 1956–72, at the onset of the Little Ice Age the balances were higher by 3.75 m ice a−1, and the ELA was 400 m lower. Correlations between 1956–72 balances and meteorological data suggest that during the melting season the 0°C isotherm was about 800 m lower, while the winter precipitation at low altitudes did not change. These correlations may have been different in the past, but an equal lowering of the ELA and of the 0°C isotherm, as assumed by several authors, seems excluded.

scholarly journals Quantitative Approximation of Mountain Glacial Climates

1990 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 164-167
Author(s):  
William W. Locke
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Regression ◽  
Energy Input ◽  
Longwave Radiation ◽  
Winter Precipitation ◽  
Summer Temperature ◽  
Energy Losses ◽  
Equilibrium Line Altitude ◽  
Independent Variables ◽  
Mountain Glaciers ◽  
Selection Of

The winter precipitation at the equilibrium line altitude of a wide selection of modern mountain glaciers is well explained (r 2 = 0.81, n = 25) by multiple regression using summer temperature and the logarithm of continentality (distance from a moisture source) as independent variables. Continentality serves as a proxy for inland decreases in energy input through longwave radiation and condensation and increasing energy losses through evaporation and sublimation. Winter precipitation in presently inaccessible areas and former precipitation across broad regions can thus be estimated accurately from two simple variables.

scholarly journals Long-Term Glacier Mass-Balance Investigations in Svalbard, 1950–88

1990 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 102-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jon Ove Hagen ◽  
Olav Liestøl
Keyword(s):  
Mass Balance ◽  
Winter Precipitation ◽  
Summer Temperature ◽  
Glacier Mass Balance ◽  
Climatic Warming ◽  
Equilibrium Line Altitude ◽  
Stable Conditions ◽  
The Mean ◽  
One Year

Mass-balance investigations on glaciers in Svalbard at high latitudes (78°N) show that the ice masses have been steadily decreasing during the period 1950–88. Detailed annual observations have been carried out on Brøggerbreen since 1966 and Lovénbreen since 1967. The mean specific net balances are −0.46 and −0.37 m year−1 water equivalent respectively. Only one year had positive net balance in this period. The cumulative mass lost in the period is then more than 10% of the volume in 1967. Zero net balance would be obtained if the summer temperature was lowered about 1°C or if the winter precipitation increased about 50%. There is a strong correlation between the net mass balance and the height of the equilibrium-line altitude (ELA). Because of the high amount of superimposed ice (10–30% of winter balance) stake readings are necessary to find the ELA. There is no sign of climatic warming through increased melting. The trend analysis of the data from the last 20 years shows stable conditions with a slight increase of the winter balance. The net balance is then slightly increasing and thus less negative than 20 years ago.

scholarly journals The Northeast Asia mountain glaciers in the near future by AOGCM scenarios

2010 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 707-735
Author(s):  
M. D. Ananicheva ◽  
A. N. Krenke ◽  
R. G. Barry
Keyword(s):  
Mass Balance ◽  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Northeast Asia ◽  
Morphological Structure ◽  
Kamchatka Peninsula ◽  
Equilibrium Line Altitude ◽  
Mountain Glaciers ◽  
Mountain Valley ◽  
Glacier System ◽  
The Stability

Abstract. We studied contrasting glacier systems in continental (Orulgan, Suntar-Khayata and Chersky ranges located in the Pole of Cold of Eurasia area at the contact of Atlantic and Pacific influences and maritime (Kamchatka Peninsula) – under Pacific influence. Our purpose is to present a simple projection method to asses the main parameters of these glacier regions under climate change. To achieve this, constructed vertical profiles of mass balance (accumulation and ablation) based both on meteorological data for 1950–90s and ECHAM4 for 2040–2069 are used, the latter – as a climatic scenario. Also for selected key glacier systems other models were applied for comparison. The observations and scenarios were used to define the recent and future equilibrium line altitude (ELA) and glacier termini elevation for each glacier system. The altitudinal distributions of ice areas were determined for present and future, they were used for prediction of the elevation spreading of glaciers in the system taking into account the correlation between the ELA and glacier-termini level change. We tested two hypotheses of ice distribution versus altitude in mountain (valley) glaciers – linear and non-linear. The results are estimates of the possible changes of the areas and morphological structure of Northeastern Asia glacier systems and their mass balance characteristics for 2049–60. Finally, we compare characteristics of the stability of continental and maritime glacier systems under global warming.

scholarly journals Quantitative Approximation of Mountain Glacial Climates

1990 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 164-167
Author(s):  
William W. Locke
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Regression ◽  
Energy Input ◽  
Longwave Radiation ◽  
Winter Precipitation ◽  
Summer Temperature ◽  
Energy Losses ◽  
Equilibrium Line Altitude ◽  
Independent Variables ◽  
Mountain Glaciers ◽  
Selection Of

The winter precipitation at the equilibrium line altitude of a wide selection of modern mountain glaciers is well explained (r2 = 0.81, n = 25) by multiple regression using summer temperature and the logarithm of continentality (distance from a moisture source) as independent variables. Continentality serves as a proxy for inland decreases in energy input through longwave radiation and condensation and increasing energy losses through evaporation and sublimation. Winter precipitation in presently inaccessible areas and former precipitation across broad regions can thus be estimated accurately from two simple variables.

scholarly journals 25 years (1981–2005) of equilibrium-line altitude and mass-balance reconstruction on Glacier Blanc, French Alps, using remote-sensing methods and meteorological data

2008 ◽  
Vol 54 (185) ◽  
pp. 307-314 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antoine Rabatel ◽  
Jean-Pierre Dedieu ◽  
Emmanuel Thibert ◽  
Anne Letréguilly ◽  
Christian Vincent
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Mass Balance ◽  
Satellite Images ◽  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Equilibrium Line ◽  
Surface Mass Balance ◽  
Mass Balances ◽  
Equilibrium Line Altitude ◽  
Surface Mass ◽  
French Alps

AbstractAnnual equilibrium-line altitude (ELA) and surface mass balance of Glacier Blanc, Ecrins region, French Alps, were reconstructed from a 25 year time series of satellite images (1981–2005). The remote-sensing method used was based on identification of the snowline, which is easy to discern on optical satellite images taken at the end of the ablation season. In addition, surface mass balances at the ELA were reconstructed for the same period using meteorological data from three nearby weather stations. A comparison of the two types of series reveals a correlation of r > 0.67 at the 0.01 level of significance. Furthermore, the surface mass balances obtained from remote-sensing data are consistent with those obtained from field measurements on five other French glaciers (r = 0.76, p < 0.01). Also consistent for Glacier Blanc is the total mass loss (10.8 m w.e.) over the studied period. However, the surface mass balances obtained with the remote-sensing method show lower interannual variability. Given that the remote-sensing method is based on changes in the ELA, this difference probably results from the lower sensitivity of the surface mass balance to climate parameters at the ELA.

scholarly journals Long-Term Glacier Mass-Balance Investigations in Svalbard, 1950–88

1990 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 102-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jon Ove Hagen ◽  
Olav Liestøl
Keyword(s):  
Mass Balance ◽  
Winter Precipitation ◽  
Summer Temperature ◽  
Glacier Mass Balance ◽  
Climatic Warming ◽  
Equilibrium Line Altitude ◽  
Stable Conditions ◽  
The Mean ◽  
One Year

Mass-balance investigations on glaciers in Svalbard at high latitudes (78°N) show that the ice masses have been steadily decreasing during the period 1950–88. Detailed annual observations have been carried out on Brøggerbreen since 1966 and Lovénbreen since 1967. The mean specific net balances are −0.46 and −0.37 m year−1 water equivalent respectively. Only one year had positive net balance in this period. The cumulative mass lost in the period is then more than 10% of the volume in 1967. Zero net balance would be obtained if the summer temperature was lowered about 1°C or if the winter precipitation increased about 50%. There is a strong correlation between the net mass balance and the height of the equilibrium-line altitude (ELA). Because of the high amount of superimposed ice (10–30% of winter balance) stake readings are necessary to find the ELA. There is no sign of climatic warming through increased melting. The trend analysis of the data from the last 20 years shows stable conditions with a slight increase of the winter balance. The net balance is then slightly increasing and thus less negative than 20 years ago.

scholarly journals Climate reconstruction since the Little Ice Age by modelling Koryto glacier, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia

2008 ◽  
Vol 54 (184) ◽  
pp. 125-130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Satoru Yamaguchi ◽  
Renji Naruse ◽  
Takayuki Shiraiwa
Keyword(s):  
20Th Century ◽  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Ice Core ◽  
Kamchatka Peninsula ◽  
Winter Precipitation ◽  
Ice Age ◽  
Equilibrium Line Altitude ◽  
Ice Cap ◽  
Glacier Terminus ◽  
Tree Ring Data

AbstractBased on the field data at Koryto glacier, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia, we constructed a one-dimensional numerical glacier model which fits the behaviour of the glacier. The analysis of meteorological data from the nearby station suggests that the recent rapid retreat of the glacier since the mid-20th century is likely to be due to a decrease in winter precipitation. Using the geographical data of the glacier terminus variations from 1711 to 1930, we reconstructed the fluctuation in the equilibrium-line altitude by means of the glacier model. With summer temperatures inferred from tree-ring data, the model suggests that the winter precipitation from the mid-19th to the early 20th century was about 10% less than that at present. This trend is close to consistent with ice-core results from the nearby ice cap in the central Kamchatka Peninsula.

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