The role of glacier system in migration of calcium carbonate on Svalbard

The general objective of this research has been to identify the factors and condi− tions of migration of CaCO3 within glaciers and their marginal zones in Svalbard. Special attention has been paid to the cryochemical processes responsible for precipitation of cal− cium carbonate in icing (naled ice) formed near fronts of polythermal glaciers during win− ter. Estimates of the importance of those processes in respect of the general mineral mass transfer in the glacier system are attempted here. Field studies concerning the carbonate contents in proglacial sediments and icing fields were carried out in the Werenskioldbreen and the Elisebreen basins (S and NW Spitsbergen respectively). A functional model of CaCO3 migration in a glacier system is proposed which indicates the various paths of the mineral mass flow. Considerations on intensity of glacial processes permitted quantitative estimation of the particular components in respect to the Werenskioldbreen basin. Cryo− chemical processes do not appear to be of overriding importance in such migration but, clearly, they play a specific role in retaining CaCO3 in the proglacial zone on land. The crys− talline forms present in the icings, which have many lattice defects, are very easily re−dis− solved or removed by wind

Distribution and morphometric characteristics of icing fields in Svalbard

Icing fields are common in Svalbard and very diverse with respect to shape. The occurrence and spatial structure of icing fields in front of glaciers were analysed using aerial photographs (at a scale of 1:50000) taken from 19 July to 25 August 1990–a unique set of images covering the whole archipelago in one summer season. Icing fields were observed in front of 217 glaciers. A total area of 12.3 km2 appeared to be covered by the icings. This value, from late in the ablation season, is likely to be near the seasonal minimum. Of the 217 glaciers, 192 were selected for further analysis, carried out by stereoscopic observation of the aerial photographs. Striking difference in brightness of the icing fields in comparison to the surrounded terrain combined with field experience of the geomorphic setting of its occurrence made possible the complete inventory of the icing phenomena for the whole of Svalbard. Morphometric features were measured directly on photographs and on scanned portions of them. Results from field studies of melting and the decrease of the area of icing fields at the front of two glaciers are also presented. The shape and distribution of icings depend on a set of glaciological factors and on the glacial and geomorphologic setting. The duration of frigid temperatures in the winter when the icing fields were formed is also important. Results show that oval and circular shapes are characteristic for icing fields after surviving the ablation season. These fields have an important geomorphological influence on the outwash plains that currently develop in Svalbard

Seasonal and interannual variability in runoff from the Werenskioldbreen catchment, Spitsbergen

The results from a hydrological monitoring program of Breelva basin (Spits− bergen, Svalbard) have been analysed to improve the understanding of the Werenskiöld Glacier system’s functioning in the High Arctic. Hydrographs of a 44 km2 river basin (27 km2 of which was covered by a glacier) were analysed for the period 2007–2012. Sea− sonal discharge fluctuations were linked to glacier ablation and meteorological parameters, including atmospheric circulation types. A dichotomy was found in the discharge peaks generation during the hydrologically active season, with the main role played by snow and ice melt events during its first part and the rainfall regime dominating its second part. Foehn type strong winds played a significant role in the generation of ablation type floods (e.g. in August 2011). A simple classification of the runoff regime was applied to the examined six−year period, resulting in the identification of its three types: the ablation type (dominant in 2007 and 2009), the rainfall type (in the years 2011–2012), and the mixed type (during 2008 and 2010). According to publications the river flow season in Spitsbergen begins in June and end with freeze−up in September or at the beginning of October. Recently, this sea− son for Breelva tend to be extended with the mid−May onset and end in the second part of October. A multiannual trend was noted that reflects a growing importance of rainfalls, especially in September. Rainfall waters play a more distinct role in outflow from the Breelva catchment recently

Distribution and morphometric characteristics of icing fields in Svalbard

Icing fields are common in Svalbard and very diverse with respect to shape. The occurrence and spatial structure of icing fields in front of glaciers were analysed using aerial photographs (at a scale of 1:50000) taken from 19 July to 25 August 1990–a unique set of images covering the whole archipelago in one summer season. Icing fields were observed in front of 217 glaciers. A total area of 12.3 km2 appeared to be covered by the icings. This value, from late in the ablation season, is likely to be near the seasonal minimum. Of the 217 glaciers, 192 were selected for further analysis, carried out by stereoscopic observation of the aerial photographs. Striking difference in brightness of the icing fields in comparison to the surrounded terrain combined with field experience of the geomorphic setting of its occurrence made possible the complete inventory of the icing phenomena for the whole of Svalbard. Morphometric features were measured directly on photographs and on scanned portions of them. Results from field studies of melting and the decrease of the area of icing fields at the front of two glaciers are also presented. The shape and distribution of icings depend on a set of glaciological factors and on the glacial and geomorphologic setting. The duration of frigid temperatures in the winter when the icing fields were formed is also important. Results show that oval and circular shapes are characteristic for icing fields after surviving the ablation season. These fields have an important geomorphological influence on the outwash plains that currently develop in Svalbard