Abstract
Glacier mass variations are climate indicators. Therefore, it is essential to examine both winter and summer mass balance variability over a long period of time to address climate-related ice mass fluctuations. In this study, we analyze glacier mass balance components and hypsometric characteristics with respect to their interactions with local meteorological variables and remote large-scale atmospheric and oceanic patterns. The results show that all selected glaciers have lost their equilibrium condition in recent decades, with persistent negative annual mass balance trends and decreasing accumulation area ratios (AARs), accompanied by increasing air temperatures of ≥ +0.45 °C decade−1. The controlling factor of annual mass balance is mainly attributed to summer mass losses, which are correlated with (warming) June to September air temperatures. In addition, the interannual variability of summer and winter mass balances is primarily associated to the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO), Greenland Blocking Index (GBI), and East Atlantic (EA) teleconnections. Although climate parameters are playing a significant role in determining the glacier mass balance in the region, the observed correlations and mass balance trends are in agreement with the hypsometric distribution and morphology of the glaciers. The analysis of decadal frontal retreat using Landsat images from 1984 to 2014 also supports the findings of this research, highlighting the impact of lake formation at terminus areas on rapid glacier retreat and mass loss in the Swiss Alps.
Highlights
IntroductionThe difference between accumulation and ablation, is an important prerequisite for monitoring direct and immediate impacts of climate forcing on the cryosphere [1]
Introduction published maps and institutional affilGlacier mass balance, the difference between accumulation and ablation, is an important prerequisite for monitoring direct and immediate impacts of climate forcing on the cryosphere [1]
The results found the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) index inversely correlated with glacier mass balance, suggesting that positive AMO
Summary
The difference between accumulation and ablation, is an important prerequisite for monitoring direct and immediate impacts of climate forcing on the cryosphere [1]. Glaciers react to climatic conditions by losing or gaining mass [2,3,4]. This reaction is mainly controlled by two processes: snowfall precipitation within the accumulation zone in winter and snow–ice melt, runoff, and sublimation during the summer. Changes in seasonal mass balance can be considered a clear indicator of climatic variations in high-mountain regions [6]. Since glacier mass balance is linked directly to local meteorological conditions and large-scale atmospheric circulation, as well as glacier dynamics and hydrology, a thorough understanding of glacier mass balance and its interactions with climatic variables is critical to local communities and regions because of iations
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