The isotopic record at an alpine glacier and its implications for local climatic changes and isotopic homogenization processes

• Main Authors: Yuanqing, H., Theakstone, W. H., Tandong, Y., Yafeng, S.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: 2001
• Subjects: austre Okstindbreen; Okstindbreen; Journal of Glaciology
• Online Access: https://research.manchester.ac.uk/en/publications/6e638967-80f3-4d16-85bc-a5902acc0752

Stratigraphic variations of oxygen isotopes in the snow which accumulates during the winter at the Norwegian glacier Austre Okstindbreen are not entirely eliminated after 1-2 months of ablation in the following summer. The relationship between regional temperature changes and δ 18O values in the snowpack is affected by many natural factors, but 1989/90 winter air temperatures were reflected in the snow which remained on Austre Okstindbreen at 1350 m a.s.l. in July 1990. There were many variations of δ 18O values in the 4.1m of snow above the 1989 summer surface, but variations in the underlying firn were relatively small. Meltwater percolation modifies the initial variations of δ 18O values in the snowpack. At a site below the mean equilibrium-line altitude on Austre Okstindbreen, increased isotopic homogenization within a 10 day period in July accompanied an increase of the mean δ 18O value. Although the isotopic record at a temperate glacier is likely to be influenced by more factors than is that at polar glaciers, it can provide an estimate of the approximate trend of local temperature variations.