Change in geometry of a high Arctic glacier from 1948 to 2013 (Austre Lovénbreen, Svalbard)

• Published in: Geografiska annaler. Series A, Physical geography Vol. 99; no. 2; pp. 115 - 138
• Main Authors: Marlin, Christelle, Tolle, Florian, Griselin, Madeleine, Bernard, Eric, Saintenoy, Albane, Quenet, Mélanie, Friedt, Jean-Michel
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis 03.04.2017
• Subjects: Arctic; Austre Lovénbreen; DEM; Glacier; mass balance; Svalbard
• ISSN: 0435-3676; 1468-0459
• DOI: 10.1080/04353676.2017.1285203

The change of Austre Lovénbreen, a 4.5 km 2 land-based glacier along the west coast of Spitsbergen, is investigated using geodetic methods and mass balance measurements over 1948-2013. For 2008−2013, annual mass balances computed on 36-stake measurements were obtained, in addition to annual mass balances reconstructed from the neighbouring glaciers, Midtre Lovénbreen (1968−2007) and Austre Brøggerbreen (1963−1967). The mean rate of glacier retreat for 1948-2013 is −16.7 ± 0.3 m a −1 . Fluctuations in area (1948-2013 mean, −0.027 ± 0.002 km 2  a −1 ) showed a slowing as the glacier recedes within its valley from 1990 to 1995. For 1962-2013, the average volume loss calculated by digital elevation model subtraction of −0.441 ± 0.062 m w.e. a −1 (or −0.54 ± 0.07% a −1 ) is similar to the average annual mass balance (−0.451 ± 0.007 m w.e. a −1 ), demonstrating a good agreement between the loss rates computed by both methods over 1962−2013. When divided in two periods (1962−1995 and 1995−2013), an increase in the rate of ice mass loss is statistically significant for the glacier volume change. The 0°C isotherm elevation (based on mean May-September air temperatures) is estimated to have risen by about 250 m up to the upper parts of the glacier between 1948 and 2013. The glacier area exposed to melting during May to September almost increased by 1.8-fold while the area reduced by a third since 1948. Within a few years, the glacier area exposed to melting will decrease, leading the upper glacier parts under the 0°C isotherm while the snout will keep on retreating.