Identification of climate controls on the dynamic behaviour of the subarctic glacier salajekna, northern scandinavia

Abstract

ABSTRACT. In this paper we describe the dynamic behaviour of Salajekna, a valley glacier, over the last 200 years using terrestrial observations, in situ measurements, remote sensing observations and glacier reconstructions. The response time of the glacier was calculated using analytical models and field measurements. We were subsequently able to attribute specific dynamic responses to climate trends in the available climate record. The glacier's historical maximum extension was reached around 1880–1910 and was the result of a more continental climate with multi‐modal airflows in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. A transition to more maritime conditions in the mid‐19th century resulted in a near‐continuous 20th century retreat before the glacier adjusted to a near‐steady state.

Key words:

• glacier
• climate
• mass balance
• response time
• InSAR
• photogrammetry
• northern Scandinavia

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Per Klingbjer

Office of Education and Research, Stockholm Institute of Education, P.O. Box 34103, SE‐100 26 Stockholm, Sweden. E‐mail: [email protected]