An 11-year record of mass balance of Brewster Glacier, New Zealand, determined using a geostatistical approach

• DOI: 10.1017/jog.2016.128
• Publication Date: 2016-12-01T02:01:39Z
• Authors: NICOLAS J. CULLEN; BRIAN ANDERSON; PASCAL SIRGUEY; DOROTHEA STUMM; ANDREW MACKINTOSH; JONATHAN P. CONWAY; HUW J. HORGAN; RUZICA DADIC; SEAN J. FITZSIMONS; ANDREW LORREY
• Keywords: Glacier mass balance; Elevation (ballistics)

ABSTRACT Recognising the scarcity of glacier mass-balance data in Southern Hemisphere, a measurement programme was started at Brewster Glacier Alps New Zealand 2004. Evolution regime over 11 years recorded means there are differences spatial density obtained. To ensure temporal integrity dataset new geostatistical approach is developed to calculate mass balance. Spatial co-variance between elevation and snow depth allows digital model be used co-kriging develop index ( SDI ). By capturing observed variability depth, more reliable predictor than adjust each year measurements consistently despite sampling density. The also resolves structure summer balance better elevation. Co-kriging again spatially interpolate derived mean using as co-variate, which yields for average glacier-wide surface winter, annual balances period 2005–15 2484, −2586 −102 mm w.e., respectively, with changes explaining most