Authors: Cutler, Eryn S.; Fitzharris, Blair

Source: Annals of Glaciology, Volume 40, Number 1, January 2005 , pp. 163-168(6)

Publisher: International Glaciological Society

Abstract:

Snowmelt is measured over a 34 day summer period at 2440 m a.s.l. on Tasman Glacier (>500 m above the equilibrium-line altitude) using a tipping-bucket lysimeter and an array of ten ablation stakes. A degree-day factor for snowmelt is calculated using a linear relationship between combined measured melt and the number of degree-days. The slope of the regression line for these data points provides an estimate of the degree-day factor for use in runoff models. Average snowmelt is 17.8 mm d⁻¹, but varies between 0 and 78 mm d⁻¹. Melt occurs in a series of distinct cyclical events or pulses, each of which lasts 5-8 days. These correspond to the eastward passage of anticyclones, then troughs over the Southern Alps. When all days with northwest airflow across the Southern Alps are excluded, the melt factor is 3.4 mm °C⁻¹ d⁻¹. Northwest days belong to a different population with a much higher average melt factor of 9.1 mm °C⁻¹ d⁻¹, but more measurements are required to better understand key processes.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3189/172756405781813447

Publication date: 2005-01-01

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• The Annals of Glaciology is a peer-reviewed, thematic journal published 2 to 4 times a year by the International Glaciological Society (IGS). Publication frequency is determined and volume/issue numbers assigned by the IGS Council on a year-to-year basis and with a lead time of 3 to 4 years. The Annals of Glaciology is included in the ISI Science Citation Index from volume 50, number 50 onwards.

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