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

• 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: Earth-Surface Processes; Journal of Glaciology
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022143000015732; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0022143000015732

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.