Glacier mass-balance and length variation in Norway

Abstract

The importance of glaciers in mainland Norway for runoff is reflected in the extensive glacier measurement record. Mass balance has been measured for 42 glaciers. Length (or front-position) records exist for about 60 glaciers, and nearly half of these are presently measured. The mass-balance and front-position data have been analyzed with respect to spatial and temporal variations. The maritime glaciers with a large annual mass turnover have had a mass surplus between 1962 and 2000. In contrast, the continental glaciers with smaller summer and winter balances had a mass deficit over the same period. Since 2001 all monitored glaciers have had a marked mass deficit. The Norwegian glaciers have all retreated during the 20th century. However, both local and regional variations have been observed. Advances were recorded around 1910, around 1930, in the second half of the 1970s and around 1990. This last advance stopped in most glaciers at the turn of the century.