Mass Balance Methods on Kongsvegen, Svalbard

摘要: On the glacier Kongsvegen (102 km2) in northwest Spitsbergen, Svalbard, traditional mass balance measurements by stake readings and snow surveying have been conducted annually since 1987. In addition, repeated global positioning system (GPS) profiling, shallow core analysis ground-penetrating radar (GPR) applied. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate input from different methods, especially GPS using results direct method as a reference. The annual flow rate on low (2 − 3 m a−1), emergence velocity almost negligible. Thus geometry changes glacier, i.e. change altitude per distance head should reflect net glacier. mean longitudinal, centreline profiles was compared showed very good agreement. measured actual ice flux so that transfer down-glacier at equlibrium line less than 10% what needed maintain steady-state geometry. This clearly shown changing profiles. profiling can be used large glaciers remote areas monitor changes, changes. However, it requires profile are representative for area/altitude intervals, accumulation ablation pattern evenly distributed. For GPR quickly gave distribution variability over long distances. Shallow cores drilled altitudes area were analysed detect radioactive reference layers fallout after Chernobyl accident 1986, agreement balance. older horizons bomb tests 1962 could extend series backwards.