Change in geometry of a high Arctic glacier to 1948 to 2013 (Austre Lovénbreen, Svalbard)

International audienceThe change of Austre Lovénbreen, a 4.5 km2 land-based glacier along the west coast of Spitsbergen, is investigated using geodetic methods and mass balance measurements over 1948–2013. For 2008−2013, annual mass balances computed on 36-stake measurements were obtained, in addition to annual mass balances reconstructed from the neighbouring glaciers, Midtre Lovénbreen (1968−2007) and Austre Brøggerbreen (1963−1967). The mean rate of glacier retreat for 1948–2013 is −16.7 ± 0.3 m a−1. Fluctuations in area (1948–2013 mean, −0.027 ± 0.002 km2 a−1) showed a slowing as the glacier recedes within its valley from 1990 to 1995. For 1962–2013, the average volume loss calculated by digital elevation model subtraction of −0.441 ± 0.062 m w.e. a−1 (or −0.54 ± 0.07% a−1) is similar to the average annual mass balance (−0.451 ± 0.007 m w.e. a−1), demonstrating a good agreement between the loss rates computed by both methods over 1962−2013. When divided in two periods (1962−1995 and 1995−2013), an increase in the rate of ice mass loss is statistically significant for the glacier volume change. The 0°C isotherm elevation (based on mean May–September air temperatures) is estimated to have risen by about 250 m up to the upper parts of the glacier between 1948 and 2013. The glacier area exposed to melting during May to September almost increased by 1.8-fold while the area reduced by a third since 1948. Within a few years, the glacier area exposed to melting will decrease, leading the upper glacier parts under the 0°C isotherm while the snout will keep on retreating