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POLARPROG-Polarforskningsprogram

Hydro-Geochemical Dynamics of the Drainage System of a Land-Based Surging Glacier

Tildelt: kr 0,39 mill.

Nutrients and organic matter supplied by glacial outflows are substantial terrestrial influences on downstream fjord ecosystems. Acquisition of nutrients by glacial runoff is largely dependent on the volume and flowpath of discharge through the glacial system and moraines. However, rapid, climate-driven glacial retreat is leading to important, yet understudied changes in glacial drainage systems. Furthermore, anticipated increases in precipitation due to climate change in some Arctic regions may trigger more frequent surge events in land-terminating glaciers. The water storage capacity of a glacier and its drainage system is drastically altered during such an event, impacting the fluxes of dissolved nutrients and organic carbon that can be observed in downstream outflows reaching the fjord. Remote sensing studies of Central Spitsbergen have indicated a recent increase in potential surge events in valley glaciers. This project aims to assess the impact of a surge on a glacier’s drainage system with respect to fluxes of organic matter, nutrients and suspended sediments in the outflows. To address this, a novel, process-oriented case study has been proposed on a glacier that is commencing the active phase of a land-based surge. No similar studies have been conducted on Svalbard due to challenges in identifying and accessing such systems. Vallåkrabreen, the glacier in focus, drains into Rindersbukta, a highly productive, protected fjord in Central Spitsbergen. Changes in terrestrial inputs to Rindersbukta will be monitored through long-term observations of the glacial drainage system, including outflows and proglacial groundwater flows. Fluxes of major geochemical constituents and the volume of runoff will be quantified throughout the active surge phase and early into quiescence. This benchmark study of a model system is representative of large parts of Svalbard as well as other Arctic regions that may be facing similar changes in valley glacier surge events.

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POLARPROG-Polarforskningsprogram