scholarly journals Coupling between the atmospheric circulation and extremes of the mass balance of Storglaciären, northern Scandinavia

1997 ◽  
Vol 24 ◽  
pp. 229-233 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veijo Allan Pohjola ◽  
Jeffrey C. Rogers
Keyword(s):  
Mass Balance ◽  
Atmospheric Circulation ◽  
Extreme Events ◽  
Air Flow ◽  
Synoptic Situation ◽  
Glacier Mass Balance ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Continuous Mass ◽  
The Mean

A large amount of glacier mass-balance data has been gathered during the last few decades. One of the ultimate goals with these data is to reveal changes in climate, recorded by the sensitive climatic gauges that glaciers are. How can we use the collected mass-balance data to retrieve knowledge of changes in climate and in the atmospheric circulation? One method is to examine the extremes of the summer and winter balance years from a glacier or a glaciated area, and from these reconstruct the mean synoptic situation for those years. We focus here on the long 50 year continuous mass-balance record from Storglaciären, northern Scandinavia, and analyze the extreme events in the data set. The results show that high net balance is favoured by stronger westerly air flow (more maritime influence) which increases accumulation in winter but reduces ablation in summer.

scholarly journals Coupling between the atmospheric circulation and extremes of the mass balance of Storglaciären, northern Scandinavia

1997 ◽  
Vol 24 ◽  
pp. 229-233 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veijo Allan Pohjola ◽  
Jeffrey C. Rogers
Keyword(s):  
Mass Balance ◽  
Atmospheric Circulation ◽  
Extreme Events ◽  
Air Flow ◽  
Synoptic Situation ◽  
Glacier Mass Balance ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Continuous Mass ◽  
The Mean

A large amount of glacier mass-balance data has been gathered during the last few decades. One of the ultimate goals with these data is to reveal changes in climate, recorded by the sensitive climatic gauges that glaciers are. How can we use the collected mass-balance data to retrieve knowledge of changes in climate and in the atmospheric circulation? One method is to examine the extremes of the summer and winter balance years from a glacier or a glaciated area, and from these reconstruct the mean synoptic situation for those years. We focus here on the long 50 year continuous mass-balance record from Storglaciären, northern Scandinavia, and analyze the extreme events in the data set. The results show that high net balance is favoured by stronger westerly air flow (more maritime influence) which increases accumulation in winter but reduces ablation in summer.

scholarly journals Comparison of direct and geodetic mass balances on a multi-annual time scale

2010 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 1151-1194
Author(s):  
A. Fischer
Keyword(s):  
Mass Balance ◽  
Direct Method ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Glacier Mass Balance ◽  
Mass Balances ◽  
Direct Data ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Geodetic Mass Balance

Abstract. Glacier mass balance is measured with the direct or the geodetic method. In this study, the geodetic mass balances of six Austrian glaciers in 19 periods between 1953 and 2006 are compared to the direct mass balances in the same periods. The mean annual geodetic mass balance for all periods is −0.5 m w.e./year. The mean difference between the geodetic and the direct data is −0.7 m w.e., the minimum −7.3 m w.e. and the maximum 5.6 m w.e. The accuracy of geodetic mass balance resulting from the accuracy of the DEMs ranges from 2 m w.e. for photogrammetric data to 0.002 m w.e. for LIDAR data. Basal melt, seasonal snow cover and density changes of the surface layer contribute up to 0.7 m w.e. for the period of 10 years to the difference to the direct method. The characteristics of published data of Griesgletscher, Gulkana Glacier, Lemon Creek glacier, South Cascade, Storbreen, Storglaciären, and Zongo Glacier is similar to these Austrian glaciers. For 26 analyzed periods with an average length of 18 years the mean difference between the geodetic and the direct data is −0.4 m w.e., the minimum −7.2 m w.e. and the maximum 3.6 m w.e. Longer periods between the acquisition of the DEMs do not necessarily result in a higher accuracy of the geodetic mass balance. Specific glaciers show specific trends of the difference between the direct and the geodetic data according to their type and state. In conclusion, geodetic and direct mass balance data are complementary, but differ systematically.

scholarly journals Mass balances of Yala and Rikha Samba glaciers, Nepal, from 2000 to 2017

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 3791-3818
Author(s):  
Dorothea Stumm ◽  
Sharad Prasad Joshi ◽  
Tika Ram Gurung ◽  
Gunjan Silwal
Keyword(s):  
Mass Loss ◽  
Mass Balance ◽  
Water Resource Management ◽  
Important Variable ◽  
Glacier Mass Balance ◽  
Mass Balances ◽  
Monitoring Strategies ◽  
Length Changes ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Geodetic Mass Balance

Abstract. The glacier mass balance is an important variable to describe the climate system and is used for various applications like water resource management or runoff modelling. The direct or glaciological method and the geodetic method are the standard methods to quantify glacier mass changes, and both methods are an integral part of international glacier monitoring strategies. In 2011, we established two glacier mass-balance programmes on Yala and Rikha Samba glaciers in the Nepal Himalaya. Here we present the methods and data of the directly measured annual mass balances for the first six mass-balance years for both glaciers from 2011/2012 to 2016/2017. For Yala Glacier we additionally present the directly measured seasonal mass balance from 2011 to 2017, as well as the mass balance from 2000 to 2012 obtained with the geodetic method. In addition, we analysed glacier length changes for both glaciers. The directly measured average annual mass-balance rates of Yala and Rikha Samba glaciers are −0.80 ± 0.28 and −0.39 ± 0.32 m w.e. a−1, respectively, from 2011 to 2017. The geodetically measured annual mass-balance rate of Yala Glacier based on digital elevation models from 2000 and 2012 is −0.74 ± 0.53 m w.e. The cumulative mass loss for the period 2011 to 2017 for Yala and Rikha Samba glaciers is −4.80 ± 0.69 and −2.34 ± 0.79 m w.e., respectively. The mass loss on Yala Glacier from 2000 to 2012 is −8.92 ± 6.33 m w.e. The winter balance of Yala Glacier is positive, and the summer balance is negative in every investigated year. The summer balance determines the annual balance. Compared to regional mean geodetic mass-balance rates in the Nepalese Himalaya, the mean mass-balance rate of Rikha Samba Glacier is in a similar range, and the mean mass-balance rate of Yala Glacier is more negative because of the small and low-lying accumulation area. During the study period, a change of Yala Glacier's surface topography has been observed with glacier thinning and downwasting. The retreat rates of Rikha Samba Glacier are higher than for Yala Glacier. From 1989 to 2013, Rikha Samba Glacier retreated 431 m (−18.0 m a−1), and from 1974 to 2016 Yala Glacier retreated 346 m (−8.2 m a−1). The data of the annual and seasonal mass balances, point mass balance, geodetic mass balance, and length changes are accessible from the World Glacier Monitoring Service (WGMS, 2021), https://doi.org/10.5904/wgms-fog-2021-05.

scholarly journals Cryoconite on a glacier on the north-eastern Tibetan plateau: light-absorbing impurities, albedo and enhanced melting

2019 ◽  
Vol 65 (252) ◽  
pp. 633-644 ◽  
Author(s):  
YANG LI ◽  
SHICHANG KANG ◽  
FANGPING YAN ◽  
JIZU CHEN ◽  
KUN WANG ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tibetan Plateau ◽  
Mass Balance ◽  
Glacier Mass Balance ◽  
Eastern Tibetan Plateau ◽  
The North ◽  
Ice Surface ◽  
Northern Tibetan Plateau ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
The Mean

ABSTRACTCryoconite is a dark-coloured granular sediment that contains biological and mineralogical components, and it plays a pivotal role in geochemistry, carbon cycling and glacier mass balance. In this work, we collected cryoconite samples from Laohugou Glacier No. 12 (LHG) on the north-eastern Tibetan Plateau during the summer of 2015 and measured the spectral albedo. To explore the impacts of this sediment on surface ablation, the ice melting differences between the cryoconite-free (removed) ice and the intact layers were compared. The results showed that the mean concentrations of black carbon (BC), organic carbon (OC) and total iron (Fe) in the LHG cryoconite were 1.28, 11.18 and 39.94 mg g−1, respectively. BC was found to play a stronger role in solar light adsorption than OC and free Fe. In addition, ice covered by cryoconite exhibited the lowest mean reflectance (i.e., <0.1). Compared with the cryoconite-free ice surface, cryoconite effectively absorbed solar energy and enhanced glacial melting at a rate of 2.27–3.28 cm d−1, and free Fe, BC and OC were estimated to contribute 1.01, 0.99 and 0.76 cm d−1, respectively. This study provides important insights for understanding the role of cryoconite in the glacier mass balance of the northern Tibetan Plateau.

Atmospheric Circulation and Variations in Scandinavian Glacier Mass Balance

1997 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veijo Allan Pohjola ◽  
Jeffrey C. Rogers
Keyword(s):  
High Pressure ◽  
Mass Balance ◽  
Atmospheric Circulation ◽  
Barents Sea ◽  
Critical Factor ◽  
Glacier Mass Balance ◽  
Mountain Glaciers ◽  
The Barents Sea ◽  
The World ◽  
Northeastern Atlantic

AbstractMountain glaciers in Scandinavia are currently advancing while most of the monitored mountain glaciers of the world are retreating. We examine atmospheric circulation variability and compare changes in air pressure indices to changes in the mass balance of glaciers in the northeastern part of the Atlantic Ocean. The glacier mass balance correlates well with the strength of maritime flow in both winter and summer, the presence of high pressure over the Barents Sea being a critical factor in summer. The advance of Scandinavian glaciers is due partly to persistently strong westerlies over the northeastern Atlantic during post-1980 winters and partly to cold summertime flow, which together have helped maintain positive glacier net balance by decreasing ablation since 1980.

scholarly journals Relating glacier mass balance to meteorological data by using a seasonal sensitivity characteristic

2000 ◽  
Vol 46 (152) ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Oerlemans ◽  
B. K. Reichert
Keyword(s):  
Mass Balance ◽  
Climate Sensitivity ◽  
Significant Contribution ◽  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Balance Model ◽  
Glacier Mass Balance ◽  
Atmospheric Models ◽  
Temperature And Precipitation ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Sensitivity Characteristic

AbstractWe propose to quantify the climate sensitivity of the mean specific balance B of a glacier by a seasonal sensitivity characteristic (SSC). The SSC gives the dependence of B on monthly anomalies in temperature and precipitation. It is calculated from a mass-balance model. We show and discuss examples for Franz-Josef Glacier (New Zealand), Nigardsbreen (Norway), Hintereisferner (Austria), Peyto Glacier (Canadian Rockies), Abramov Glacier (Kirghizstan) and White Glacier (Canadian Arctic). With regard to the climate sensitivity of B, the SSCs clearly show that summer temperature is the most important factor for glaciers in a dry climate. For glaciers in a wetter climate, spring and fall temperatures also make a significant contribution to the overall sensitivity. The SSC is a 2 × 12 matrix. Multiplying it with monthly perturbations of temperature and precipitation for a particular year yields an estimate of the balance for that year. We show that, with this technique, mass-balance series can be (re)constructed from long meteorological records or from output of atmospheric models.

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 Influence of atmospheric circulation on glacier mass balance in western Tibet: an analysis based on observations and modeling

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-55
Author(s):  
Meilin Zhu ◽  
Lonnie G. Thompson ◽  
Huabiao Zhao ◽  
Tandong Yao ◽  
Wei Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mass Balance ◽  
Atmospheric Circulation ◽  
Air Temperature ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Snow Accumulation ◽  
Balance Model ◽  
Glacier Mass Balance ◽  
The Tibetan Plateau ◽  
Local Climate ◽  
Average Mass

AbstractGlacier changes on the Tibetan Plateau (TP) have been spatially heterogeneous in recent decades. The understanding of glacier mass changes in western Tibet, a transitional area between the monsoon-dominated region and the westerlies-dominated region, is still incomplete. For this study, we used an energy-mass balance model to reconstruct annual mass balances from October 1967 to September 2019 to explore the effects of local climate and large-scale atmospheric circulation on glacier mass changes in western Tibet. The results showed Xiao Anglong Glacier is close to a balanced condition, with an average value of -53±185 mm w.e. a-1 for 1968-2019. The interannual mass balance variability during 1968-2019 was primary driven by ablation-season precipitation, which determined changes in the snow accumulation and strongly influenced melt processes. The interannual mass balance variability during 1968-2019 was less affected by ablation-season air temperature, which only weakly affected snowfall and melt energy. Further analysis suggests that the southward (or northward) shift of the westerlies caused low (or high) ablation-season precipitation, and therefore low (or high) annual mass balance for glaciers in western Tibet. In addition, the average mass balance for Xiao Anglong Glacier was 83±185, -210±185, and -10±185 mm w.e. a-1 for 1968-1990, 1991-2012, and 2013-2019, respectively. These mass changes were associated with the variations in precipitation and air temperature during the ablation season on interdecadal time scales.

scholarly journals Relationships Between Synoptic-Scale Atmospheric Circulation and Glacier Mass Balance in South-Western Canada During the International Hydrological Decade, 1965–74

1984 ◽  
Vol 30 (105) ◽  
pp. 188-198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brent Yarnal
Keyword(s):  
Mass Balance ◽  
Atmospheric Circulation ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Glacier Mass Balance ◽  
Western Canada ◽  
Synoptic Scale ◽  
Wave Disturbances ◽  
Synoptic Weather ◽  
The Relationship

AbstractThe relationship between synoptic-scale atmospheric circulation and glacier mass balance in the Cordillera of south-western Canada is investigated. Objective synoptic typing techniques are applied to glaciometeorological data from Peyto Glacier, Alberta, and Sentinel Glacier, British Columbia, and to climatological data from nearby weather stations. Two scales of 500 mbar synoptic weather maps are analyzed and compared. One is smaller with high-wavenumber patterns, the other is larger with more general patterns.The results demonstrate that the mass balance of Peyto and Sentinel Glaciers are related to the 500 mbar patterns. Synoptic types with cyclonic curvature favor glacier accumulation, while anticyclonic types inhibit build-up of the regional snow-pack. Ablation is suppressed by synoptic types associated with cloudy days and/or low temperatures, and is enhanced by types associated with warm, sunny days. Furthermore, findings suggest that both the accumulation and ablation of Sentinel Glacier are controlled by small-scale, high-wavenumber synoptic patterns. Conversely, Peyto Glacier accumulation is more closely associated with large-scale patterns, suggesting that high-frequency mid-tropospheric oscillations embedded within the slow-moving baroclinic zones associated with long-wave disturbances may be dampened by the rough topography of the Canadian Cordillera. Ablation is predicted poorly by both scales at Peyto.

scholarly journals The Rofental: a high Alpine research basin (1890 m – 3770 m a.s.l.) in the Ötztal Alps (Austria) with over 150 years of hydro-meteorological and glaciological observations

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulrich Strasser ◽  
Thomas Marke ◽  
Ludwig Braun ◽  
Heidi Escher-Vetter ◽  
Irmgard Juen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mass Balance ◽  
Laser Scanner ◽  
Longwave Radiation ◽  
Water Levels ◽  
Original Research ◽  
High Mountain ◽  
Glacier Mass Balance ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Entire Area

Abstract. A comprehensive hydrometeorological and glaciological data set is presented, originating from a multitude of recordings at several intensively operated research sites in the Rofental (1891–3772 m a.s.l., Ötztal Alps, Austria). The data sets are spanning a period of 150 years and hence represent a unique, worldwide unprecedented pool of high mountain observations. Their collection has originally been initiated to support the scientific investigation of the glaciers Hintereis-, Kesselwand- and Vernagtferner. Later, additional measurements of meteorological and hydrological variables have been undertaken; data now comprise records of temperature, relative humidity, short- and longwave radiation, wind speed and direction, air pressure, precipitation and water levels. For the glaciers, annual mass balance, glacier front variation and flow velocities as well as photographic images of the glacier status have been recorded. Since 2001, a series of distributed (airborne and terrestrial) laserscans has been processed. Most recently, a permanent terrestrial laser scanner installed on "Im hintern Eis" (3244 m a.s.l.) enables to continuously observe almost the entire area of Hintereisferner. The data and research undertaken at the sites of investigation enable combined research of atmospheric, cryospheric and hydrological processes in complex terrain, and support the development of several state-of-the art hydroclimatological and glacier mass balance models. The institutions taking part in the Rofental research framework have joined to a cooperation consortium and promote their site in several international research initiatives. In the framework of INARCH, all original research data sets are now provided to the scientific community according to the Creative Commons Attribution License by means of the PANGAEA repository (https://doi.org/doi:10.1594/PANGAEA.876120).

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