Oxygen isotopes in glacier-river water, Austre Okstindbreen, Okstindan, Norway

Abstract

AbstractThere is no discernible river discharge from Austre Okstindbreen, Norway, in winter; any water formed by basal melting is likely to be stored in isolated cavities or sediments at the bed. In summer, a baseflow component of discharge, relatively depleted of 18O, is diluted by water more enriched in 18O. Glacier ice meltwater with a high δ18O value passes rapidly through channelized systems, and emerges in the glacier river within a few hours. Headward extension of the systems in late summer may tap water stored within the glacier since the previous summer’s close-down. Stored water also is released during early melt-season events, when the low-capacity drainage systems cannot accommodate inputs. The high δ18O value indicates that the probable source of the released water is glacier ice or low-altitude snowfall. Stratigraphic variations of δ18O values, resulting from changing weather conditions, characterize the accumulating winter snowpack. During the melt season, the mean δ18O value of the residual pack rises. The water leaving it, depleted of 18O, passes slowly through the glacier, smoothing out variations of supply. δ18O values of rain vary between and within events, and their effect on glacier-river δ18O values is unpredictable.