The mass balance of a cirque glacier in the Italian Alps (Ghiacciaio Della Sforzellina, Ortles–Cevedale Group)

Abstract The net mass balance (1986/87–1989/90) was calculated for a small cirque glacier in the Italian Alps (Ghiacciaio della Sforzellina, 0.42 k m 2 , Ortles–Cevedale Group). Four annual mass balances are presented here. All four balances were negative (mean value: –0.90 m year −1 ), with a maxim...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of Glaciology
Main Authors: Catasta, G., Smiraglia, C.
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1993
Subjects:
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022143000015732
https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0022143000015732
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Summary:Abstract The net mass balance (1986/87–1989/90) was calculated for a small cirque glacier in the Italian Alps (Ghiacciaio della Sforzellina, 0.42 k m 2 , Ortles–Cevedale Group). Four annual mass balances are presented here. All four balances were negative (mean value: –0.90 m year −1 ), with a maximum deficit of –1.16 m year −1 in 1989–90. The climatic conditions (which are analyzed using data from the S. Caterina Valfurva Station) consisted of a succession of cold, dry winters with little snowfall. Frontal-variation data available since 1925 show a constant retreat until 1966, followed by a brief advance period which has already terminated.