Glacier Cover Change Assessment of the Columbia Icefield in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Canada (1985–2018)

Adjoa Intsiful,Shrinidhi Ambinakudige

doi:10.3390/geosciences11010019

Abstract

Meltwater from glaciers makes significant contributions to general streamflow and provides water for flora and fauna. Continuous glacier monitoring programs enhance our understanding of the impacts of global warming on glaciers and their topographical features. The objective of this study is to measure spatial and temporal changes in Canada’s Columbia Icefield glaciers. This study uses Landsat (TM 5 and OLI) images to delineate glacier extents in the Columbia Icefield between 1985 and 2018. The study also analyzes the retreat of the Athabasca, Castleguard, Columbia, Dome, Saskatchewan, and Stutfield Glaciers. The total area covered by the Icefield in 1985 was 227 km2. By 2018, the Icefield had lost approximately 42 km2 of its area coverage, representing 18% of its previous coverage. All glaciers in the study region retreated and decreased in area over the study period. The pattern observed in this study is one of general ice loss in the Columbia Icefield, which mirrors patterns observed in other mountain glaciers in Western Canada.

Highlights

Glaciers are a notable part of the cryosphere and play an important role in climate studies [1,2]
Results from this study on glacier area and length changes indicate a significant retreat of the glaciers in the Columbia Icefield from 1985 to 2018
Results indicate a retreat in glacier tongues of the Columbia Icefield in the period 1985–2018

Summary

Introduction

Glaciers are a notable part of the cryosphere and play an important role in climate studies [1,2]. Glacier run-off in the region is heavily relied upon for hydroelectric power generation in parts of British Columbia. Mass wastage of these glaciers can cause increased volumes of late summer discharge, which could lead to long-term loss of natural fresh water. Due to the important role these mountain glaciers play in supplementing streams required for human and aquatic consumptions, it is imperative to monitor them periodically. Studies of these mountain glaciers are necessary to understand their response to climate change and to predict the long-term impacts on water availability and global sea-level rise hazard preparedness. The Columbia Icefield serves as one of the most visited tourist sites in North America; consistent Icefield monitoring is key for decision-making regarding hazard risk assessments that may be associated with glacier cover change [10]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion