Glacier geomorphometry — an approach for analyzing long-term glacier surface changes using grid-based digital elevation models

Abstract

This paper presents an approach to long-term glacier monitoring. Mathematical surface descriptors, such as altitude, slope and curvature (surface form) are used to classify and quantify glacier surface developments. The analysis is based on photogrammetically derived grid-based digital elevation models over a period of decades. This paper outlines the concept and applies it to five valley glaciers in Spitsbergen, Svalbard, which differ with respect to size, thermal regime and dynamics. The results reflect differences between the glaciers investigated which are attributable to glacier dynamics, in particular concerning the glacier’s possible surge behaviour during a period with retreat and mass losses.