Brief communication: Accelerated glacier mass loss in the Russian Arctic (2010–2017)

Abstract

Abstract. Glaciers in the Russian High Arctic have been subject to extensive warming due to global climate change, yet their contribution to sea level rise has been relatively small over the past decades. Here we show surface elevation change measurements and geodetic mass balances of 93 % of all glacierized areas of Novaya Zemlya, Severnaya Zemlya and Franz Josef Land using interferometric synthetic aperture radar measurements taken between 2010 and 2017. We calculate an overall mass loss 10 rate of −23 ± 5 Gt a−1, corresponding to a sea level rise contribution of 0.06 ± 0.01 mm a−1. Compared to measurements prior to 2010, mass loss of glaciers on the Russian archipelagos has doubled in recent years.

Increased Ice Thinning over Svalbard Measured by ICESat/ICESat-2 Laser Altimetry

“…Further, amplified thinning and mass loss since the ICESat period is assumed to correlate with a rise in atmospheric and sea-surfaces temperatures around the archipelago, especially along the west coast, Storfjorden, and Hinlopen Strait [19]. This trend is likewise observable in other glaciated regions bordering the Barents Sea [57][58][59] and is probably caused by recent oceanic transitions in this part of the Arctic [56].…”

“…Glaciers along the Barents Sea coast in Novaya Zemlya show pronounced mass loss rates in combination with high retreat rates at marine-terminating glaciers since 2000 [58]. Furthermore, recent research reveals a doubling of glacier mass loss on the Russian archipelagos compared to measurements before 2010 [59]. Regional warming and correlated amplified thinning at the eastern parts of Svalbard is consequently also reflected in changes of other glaciated areas bordering the Barents Sea region.…”