The table below shows mass balance data collected in 20062007 at Hardangerjkulen, the sixth largest glacier in

The table below shows mass balance data collected in 2006–2007 at Hardangerjøkulen, the sixth largest glacier in Norway. Hardangerjøkulen is a small ice cap that drains in several directions through outlet glaciers. The data we have are for the outlet called Rembesdalsska˚ ka.

Your primary task is to determine whether this was a positive or negative mass balance year for this glacier (the outlet Rembesdalsskåka, for which we have data). 

Steps:

a) Compute the specific net balance for each altitude band.

b) Plot the specific winter, summer and net balances as a function of altitude.

c) Compute the volume for winter, summer and net balance in each elevation band. 

d) Plot the volume balances (winter, summer, net) as a function of altitude. 

e) Compute the total net balance for the glacier both as a specific balance (units of depth of water equivalent) and as a volume balance (volume of water equivalent).

In addition to a table showing the results of these calculations, and the plots requested, please answer these questions:

1) What is the equilibrium line altitude for this glacier in 2006-7?

2) Was this a positive or negative mass balance year for this glacier?

Mass balance Hardangerjøkulen 2006/07

Transcribed Image Text:

Altitude (mas!) 1850-1865 1800-1850 1750-1800 1700-1750 1650-1700 1600-1650 1550-1600 1500-1550 1450-1500 1400-1450 1350-1400 1300-1350 1250-1300 1200-1250 1150-1200 1100-1150 1020-1100 Area (km²) Specific winter 0.09 3.93 4.03 3.46 1.94 0.75 0.59 0.57 0.29 0.19 0.10 0.10 0.27 0.36 0.28 0.11 0.05 balance (m w.e.) 2.70 3.45 3.60 3.50 3.20 2.70 2.35 1.95 1.73 1.56 1.39 1.22 1.05 0.80 0.55 0.30 -0.05 Specific summer balance (m w.e.) -1.45 -1.50 -1.60 -1.75 -1.90 -2.10 -2.30 -2.50 -2.70 -2.95 -3.20 -3.45 -3.70 -3.95 -4.25 -4.55 -4.90