Variability in winter mass balance of Northern Hemisphere glaciers and relations with atmospheric circulation

Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research
By: , and 

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Abstract

An analysis of variability in the winter mass balance (WMB) of 22 glaciers in the Northern Hemisphere indicates two primary modes of variability that explain 46% of the variability among all glaciers. The first mode of variability characterizes WMB variability in Northern and Central Europe and the second mode primarily represents WMB variability in northwestern North America, but also is related to variability in WMB of one glacier in Europe and one in Central Asia. These two modes of WMB variability are explained by variations in mesoscale atmospheric circulation which are driving forces of variations in surface temperature and precipitation. The first mode is highly correlated with the Arctic Oscillation Index, whereas the second mode is highly correlated with the Southern Oscillation Index. In addition, the second mode of WMB variability is highly correlated with variability in global winter temperatures. This result suggests some connection between global temperature trends and WMB for some glaciers.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Variability in winter mass balance of Northern Hemisphere glaciers and relations with atmospheric circulation
Series title Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research
DOI 10.1080/15230430.2000.12003340
Volume 32
Issue 1
Year Published 2000
Language English
Publisher Taylor & Francis
Description 9 p.
First page 64
Last page 72
Other Geospatial Northern Hemisphere
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