Estimation and Effects of Internal Accumulation on Five Glaciers in Alaska

Abstract

Estimates of internal accumulation for five Alaskan glaciers in different climates suggests that internal accumulation occurs in glaciers throughout Alaska. A method of estimating the quantity of internal accumulation is based on the annual minimum temperature ?Γ the snow-firn interface. The consistency of the estimates suggests that valid approximations of internal accumulation can be made over large areas. The estimates have not been confirmed by measurements of mass change, but are believed to be accurate within 10 percent. Point balance quantities of internal accumulation range from 0.65 m a-1, which is 64% of the annual accumulation on McCall Glacier, to 0.12 m a-1, 7% of the annual accumulation on Wolverine Glacier. The amount of internal accumulation decreases rapidly from north to south in Alaska; however it should be expected worldwide where sub-freezing, porous firn is invaded by water. Internal accumulation occurs in temperate glaciers in strongly maritime climates as well as glaciers in cold continental climates where it delays the onset of runoff, accelerates the process of converting snow into glacier ice, and explains the occurrence of temperate glaciers in permafrost areas.