A surge of Perseibreen, Svalbard, examined using aerial photography and ASTER high−resolution satellite imagery

The identification of surge activity is important in assessments of the duration of the active and quiescent phases of the surge cycle on Svalbard glaciers. Satellite and aerial photographic images are used to identify and describe the form and flow of Perseibreen, a valley glacier of 59 km2 on the east coast of Spitsbergen. Heavy surface crevassing and a steep ice front, indicative of surge activity, were first observed on Perseibreen in April 2002. Examination of high-resolution (15 m