Ice volume estimation inferred from ice thickness and surface measurements for Continental Glacier, Wind River Range, Wyoming, USA

Abstract

TheWind River Range in Wyoming, USA, contains the largest concentration of glacial mass in the Rocky Mountains of the contiguous USA. Despite this distinction, only a few field or remotely sensed studies providing glacier volume changes have been published. The current study focuses on Continental Glacier located on the northern end of the range and uses two field datasets (high-accuracy GPS surface elevation points and ice-penetrating radar transects of the glacier bed) to create a threedimensional model of glacier volume. Current surface elevations are compared with historical elevation data to calculate surface elevation change over time. An average thinning rate of 13.8±7.8m (0.30±0.17ma-1) between 1966 and 2012 was found. Surface elevation change rates varied across the glacier, ranging from +0.30 to -0.98ma-1. Taking into account variable melt rates across the glacier, along with a glacial volume of 72.1×106±10. 8×106m3, we estimate that Continental Glacier will be reduced in volume by 43% over the next 100 years and will disappear completely over the next 300-400 years, if current climatic conditions persist.