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www.the-cryosphere-discuss.net/3/765/2009/
doi:10.5194/tcd-3-765-2009
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A comparison of different methods of evaluating glacier response characteristics: application to glacier AX010, Nepal Himalaya
1Department of Geography, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr. NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
2Earth System Sciences and Department of Geography, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
Abstract. Himalayan glaciers are considered to be amongst the most sensitive glaciers to climate change. However, the response behaviour of these glaciers is not well understood. Here we use several approaches to estimate characteristic timescales of glacier AX010, a small valley glacier in the Nepal Himalaya, as a measure of glacier sensitivity. Assuming that temperature solely defines the mass budget, glacier AX010 waits for about 8 yr (reaction time) to exhibit its initial terminus response to changing climate. On the other hand, it takes between 29–56 yr (volume response time) and 37–70 yr (length response time) to adjust its volume and length following the changes in mass balance conditions, respectively. A numerical ice-flow model, the only method that yields both length and volume response time, confirms that a glacier takes longer to adjust its length than its volume.
Discussion Paper (PDF, 922 KB) Interactive Discussion (Closed, 6 Comments) Publication in TC not foreseen
Citation: Adhikari, S., Marshall, S. J., and Huybrechts, P.: A comparison of different methods of evaluating glacier response characteristics: application to glacier AX010, Nepal Himalaya, The Cryosphere Discuss., 3, 765-804, doi:10.5194/tcd-3-765-2009, 2009. Bibtex EndNote Reference Manager XML
