Authors: Sigurđsson, Oddur; Jónsson, Trausti; Jóhannesson, Tómas

Source: Annals of Glaciology, Volume 46, Number 1, October 2007 , pp. 170-176(7)

Publisher: International Glaciological Society

Abstract:

Measurements of the retreat and advance of glacier termini are simple and straightforward and in many cases give clear indications about climate history. A careful analysis of glacier type and the processes that override the climate forcing of the mass balance are important for the correct interpretation of terminus variations in terms of climate fluctuations. Regular measurements of glacier variations in Iceland were started in 1930. The Iceland Glaciological Society is now responsible for the monitoring programme. The observed front variations of non-surge-type outlet glaciers of various sizes have closely mimicked major variations of the climate in Iceland during the 20th century. Most of the glaciers retreated rapidly during the warm decades from 1930 to 1960, slowing down as the climate cooled during the following decade, and started to advance after 1970. The rate of advance peaked in the 1980s, after which it slowed down as a consequence of rapid warming of the climate that has taken place since the mid-1980s. Mass-balance measurements show alternating positive and negative mass balance of glaciers during the period 1987-95, but the mass balance has been predominantly negative since 1996. Most glaciers in Iceland began to retreat after 1990, and by 2000 all monitored non-surge-type glaciers in Iceland were retreating. A comparison of the front variations of non-surge-type glaciers and mean summer temperature shows that the major shifts in the climate were followed by a change in the rate of advance or retreat at the termini with a delay of only a few years. This delay does not seem to correlate with the size, the mass turnover or other characteristics of the glacier.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3189/172756407782871611

Publication date: 2007-10-01

More about this publication?

• 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.

  Themes can be on any aspect of the study of snow and ice. Individual members can make a suggestion for a theme for an Annals issue to the Secretary General, who will forward it to the IGS Publications Committee. The IGS Publication Committee will make a recommendation for an individual themed Annals issue, together with a potential Annals Chief Editor for that issue, to IGS Council. The IGS Council will make the decision whether to proceed, taking into account the spread of topics and the overall capacity for publication of pages in Annals.

• Editorial Board
• Information for Authors
• ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Geology ,  Meteorology & Climatology
• By this author: Sigurđsson, Oddur ;  Jónsson, Trausti ;  Jóhannesson, Tómas

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers