Mass Balance of Two High Arctic Plateau Ice Caps

• Published in: Journal of Glaciology
• Main Authors: Bradley, Raymond S., Serreze, Mark C.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1987
• Subjects: Earth-Surface Processes; Arctic; Ellesmere Island; Journal of Glaciology
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022143000005438; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0022143000005438

Abstract Mass-balance measurements have been renewed on two small ice caps on north-eastern Ellesmere Island. Original stake networks were established in 1972 and 1976. Since then, both ice caps have experienced significant mass losses averaging –70 to –140 kg m −2 a −1 . They have also decreased in area. The equilibrium line in this area has averaged around 1150 m for the last decade or so. The ice caps are remnants of former climatic conditions and are out of equilibrium with contemporary climate.