Some results of glacier mass balance research on the glaciers of the Polar Urals

Abstract

Abstract A complete series of mass balance observations made on the IGAN and Obruchev glaciers in the Polar Urals for the 1957/58–1980/81 balance years is presented. The values of the annual and winter mass balances were measured and the summer balance was obtained as their difference. The mean and extreme altitudes of the equilibrium line at the end of the balance year were identified. A satisfactory relationship was demonstrated between the annual balance and the equilibrium line altitude and the percentage share of the accumulation area, i.e., the ratio between the area of the accumulation zone and the total area of the glacier. Changes in winter, summer and annual mass balances with altitude were analyzed over the long term and for years with extreme mass balance values. The IGAN and Stor glaciers were compared in terms of annual, summer, and winter mass balance values. Integral‐differential curves of the type S Ax/a demonstrate opposing trends in the mass balance changes and the mass balance componen...