Recent glacier changes and formation of new proglacial lakes at the jostedalsbreen ice cap in southwest norway

Abstract

At present, glaciated mountain environments are among the most dynamic geomorphic systems as they are exposed to various climatic and environmental changes. Climate-induced widespread glacier retreat and thinning lead to a gradual enlargement of formerly glaciated terrain. Due to a continuing increase of summer temperatures predicted for western Norway until the end of this century, it is likely that the current trend of the accelerated mass loss of Norwegian glaciers will continue. As one consequence of this development, new lakes will emerge within the formerly glaciated and newly exposed terrain. Because glaciers and glacier-fed streams in mainland Norway have a high importance for hydropower production, tourism and climate research, it is essential to gain an improved understanding of the possible environmental impacts of proglacial lakes in order to being prepared for advantages and challenges connected to these newly emerging landscape elements. This chapter highlights the significant transformation of the Norwegian glacial landscape by illustrating recent glacier changes and the formation of new proglacial lakes at the Jostedalsbreen ice cap in southwest Norway. The created lake inventory contributes to the global set of worldwide existing glacier lake inventories and serves as a baseline study for possible future comparisons at regional and global scales.