Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, New Zealand: Historic length records

Abstract

Compilation of modern and historical length change records for Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers demonstrates that these glaciers have lost ~3km in length and at least 3–4km2 in area since the 1800s, with the greatest overall loss occurring between 1934 and 1983. Within this dramatic and ongoing retreat, both glaciers have experienced periods of re-advance. The record from Franz Josef Glacier is the most detailed, and shows major advances from 1946 to 1951 (340m), 1965–1967 (400m), 1983–1999 (1420m) and 2004–2008 (280m). At Fox Glacier the record is similar, with advances recorded during 1964–1968 (60m), 1985–1999 (710m) and 2004–2008 (290m). Apart from the latest advance event, the magnitude of advance has been greater at Franz Josef Glacier, suggesting a higher length sensitivity. Analysis of the relationship between glacier length and a reconstructed annual equilibrium line altitude (ELA) record shows that the glaciers react very quickly to ELA variations — with the greatest correlation at 3–4years' lag. The present (2014) retreat is the fastest retreat in the records of both glaciers. While decadal length fluctuations have been linked to hemispheric ocean–atmosphere variability, the overall reduction in length is a clear sign of twentieth century warming. However, documenting glacier length changes can be challenging; especially when increased surface debris-cover makes identification of the ‘true’ terminus a convoluted process.