Extrapolating glacier mass balance to the mountain range scale: the European Alps 1900–2100

Huss, Matthias

doi:10.5194/tcd-6-1117-2012

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Journal article

Extrapolating glacier mass balance to the mountain range scale: the European Alps 1900–2100

Huss, Matthias Department of Geosciences, University of Fribourg, Switzerland

15.03.2012

Published in:

The Cryosphere Discuss.. - 2012, vol. 6, p. 1117-1156

English This study addresses the extrapolation of single glacier mass balance measurements to the mountain range scale and aims at deriving time series of area-averaged mass balance and ice volume change for all glaciers in the European Alps for the period 1900–2100. Long-term mass balance series for 50 Swiss glaciers based on a combination of field data and modelling, and WGMS data for glaciers in Austria, France and Italy are used. A complete glacier inventory is available for the year 2003. Mass balance extrapolation is performed based on (1) arithmetic averaging, (2) glacier hypsometry, and (3) multiple regression. Given a sufficient number of data series, multiple regression with variables describing glacier geometry performs best in reproducing observed spatial mass balance variability. Future mass changes are calculated by driving a combined model for mass balance and glacier geometry with GCM ensembles based on four emission scenarios. Mean glacier mass balance in the European Alps is −0.32 ± 0.04 m w.e. a⁻¹ in 1900–2011, and −1 m w.e. a⁻¹ over the last decade. Total ice volume change since 1900 is −100 ± 13 km³; annual values vary between −5.9 km³ (1947) and +3.9 km³ (1977). Mean mass balances are expected to be around −1.3 m w.e. a⁻¹ by 2050. Model results indicate a glacier area reduction to 4–18% relative to 2003 for the end of the 21st century.

Faculty

Faculté des sciences et de médecine

Department

Département de Géosciences

Language