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SSF-Svalbard Science Forum

The characterization of glacier basal hydrologic systems

Awarded: NOK 49,070

The objectives of this study are to deploy 4 (or more) high precision GPS instruments on 2 glaciers through the summer of 2014. Of particular importance is to determine how the basal hydrologic system reacts to perturbances caused from climatic forces, su ch as from the surface mass balance of the glacier. The two glaciers chosen for this study are Kronebreen/Holtedahlfonna, one of the continuously fastest glaciers in Svalbard, and Kongsvegen, a surge type glacier in quiescent phases which represents one o f the slowest glaciers in Svalbard. By measuring these two adjacent, yet very different glaciers, we aim to characterize their basal hydrological systems and how they respond to similar environmental forces.

Funding scheme:

SSF-Svalbard Science Forum