Comprehending the surface melt characteristics, calving processes, and seasonal ice velocity of Dålk glacier in Larsemann Hills, East Antarctica

Abstract

Surface melting induces hydro-fracturing and deformational changes on the ice surface, which have a substantial impact on its dynamics and stability and therefore, comprehending these processes is crucial for ice sheet mass balance and stability. The present study is an attempt to understand the surface melt characteristics, seasonal ice movement, and calving processes of the Dålk glacier located in the Larsemann Hills of East Antarctica using multi-sensor remote sensing observations from 2017 to 2023. We identified and examined several melt features across the glacier and analysed their evolution during the study period. Frontal changes, calving events, and seasonal surface ice velocities of the glacier were also investigated during the study period. We found that the evolution and drainage of the melt features over the Dålk glacier is highly dynamic in nature with a significant inter-annual variability. We report substantial morphological changes in the ice doline structure that may be driven by the surface melt patterns, ice movement, and ice deformation in the region which also, affect the drainage of the nearby connected melt ponds and features. Several minor to very major calving events observed during the period due to immense disintegration processes during the preceding melting season that also affected the ice movement. We also highlight the need of monitoring and studying such melt features over the outlet glaciers that concerns the imminent catastrophic fragmentation and deformational changes over the glacier.