Outlet glacier flow response to surface melt: based on analysis of a high-resolution satellite data set

• DOI: 10.1017/jog.2022.124
• Publication Date: 2023-01-16T10:39:06Z
• Authors: Signe H. Larsen; Andreas P. Ahlstrøm; Nanna B. Karlsson; Anders Kusk; Peter L. Langen; Christine S. Hvid...
• Keywords: Meltwater; Greenland ice sheet; Bedrock; Glacier morphology; Glacier mass balance; Glacier ice accumulation; Groenlandia

The dynamics of the Greenland Ice Sheet are affected by surface meltwater reaching base ice, altering ice contact with bedrock. Lack understanding this evolution hampers ability to predict effects increasing temperatures on mass balance. Here we present a unique high-resolution study velocity response melting based data from COSMO-SkyMed satellite campaign over Upernavik Isstrøm (Northwest Greenland) for two months around end 2014 melt season. We show that variations, due both short-term (days) and seasonal variations in rates, relative strength farther glacier terminus. Furthermore, observe how dynamic frontal retreat, several kilometres inland, can obscure meltwater-induced change close Future studies should consider flow dependence distance terminus, local geometry, distinguish subglacial hydrologic system changes processes basal conditions.