Calculated Patterns of Accumulation on the Greenland Ice Sheet

• Published in: Journal of Glaciology
• Main Author: Mock, Steven J.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1967
• Subjects: Earth-Surface Processes; Greenland; East Greenland; Ice Sheet; Journal of Glaciology; North Greenland; Thule
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022143000020104; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0022143000020104

All available mean annual accumulation data on the Greenland ice sheet (excluding the Thule peninsula) have been collected and analyzed using multiple regression techniques to develop equations capable of predicting mean annual accumulation. The analysis was carried out for north Greenland, south Greenland, and for the transition zone between the two major regions. The resulting equations show that mean annual accumulation can be predicted from the independent parameters latitude, longitude and elevation. The patterns of accumulation are shown in a series of isohyetal (contours of accumulation in terms of water) maps. The major feature shown is a well defined asymmetry in accumulation; a pronounced east-slope maximum in south Greenland and an equally pronounced west-slope maximum in north Greenland. Poleward of lat. 69° N., isohyets decrease in elevation to the north. Mean annual accumulation ranges from >90 g./cm. 2 in south-east Greenland to <15 g./cm. 2 in north-east Greenland. A brief discussion of mass balance estimates of the Greenland ice sheet and of the relevance of this study to them is included.