Identyfikatory
Warianty tytułu
Correlation between the mass balance of glaciers in the Kongsfjorden area (NW Spitsbergen) and sea ice cover of the Barents and Greenland seas
Języki publikacji
Abstrakty
The sea ice cover of the Greenland and Barents seas is characterised by great seasonal and interannual changeability which has influence on radiation and heat balance of that region. This changeability is directly observed in changes in atmospheric circulation and further noted in changes in meteorological elements (mainly in air temperature, cloudiness, precipitation and wind). Changes in weather conditions determine both the value of losses of glacier masses in a given balance year and the value of ice masses accumulation. This article tries to find the answer to a question if and to what extent the variability of the extent and rate of the Barents and Greenland seas ice formation is directly reflected in changeability of glaciers masses balance in the region of Spitsbergen. This research was based on the mass balance of two small glaciers located in the region of Kongsfjord, i.e. Austre Brogger and Midre Lovén. The mean monthly values of sea ice cover observed in the Greenland and Barents seas in the period 1972-1994 were used in this research (the values calculated on the basis of 1-week values of these seas ice cover taken from NCDC - Asheville). The values of winter, summer and net balances of the said glaciers were drawn from article by Lefauconnier et al. (1999). In addition, the correlation was examined between the balance Austre Brogger and Midre Lovén glaciers and the changeability of atmospheric circulation described by Niedźwiedź ?circulation types? (2001). The research made use of standard statistical analysis (correlation and regression analysis). Statistically significant correlations have been noted between the values of winter balances of both examined glaciers and the size of ice cover of the Barents and Greenland seas at the initial stage of its formation - in November (r ~ -0.55÷0.64, adj. R2 ~ 0.30÷0.35). The result of analysis of multiple regression indicated that the strongest correlation with ice cover of the Greenland Sea occurs in September, whereas in the Barents Sea in December (R ~ 0.70÷0.83). Changes in sea ice cover observed in that time explain 44% and 65% of changeability in winter balance of Austre Brogger and Midre Lovén glaciers, respectively. These results suggest that the process of heat transfer from the ocean to the atmosphere may by very intensive when the sea is merely covered with ice in the areas on the way of main directions of air mass advection. This will provide favourable condition for clear domination of sea air masses resulting in the increase in air temperature (Styszyńska 2000) and precipitation in the region of NW Spitsbergen. The summer balance of the examined glaciers is influenced by the changes in ice conditions only to a small extent. The only significant correlation with sea ice condition of the Greenland Sea was noted in August. Lack of the discussed correlation in summer is attributed to the influence of insolation and radiation factors whose importance increase during the polar day (as indicated in research by Lefauconnier et al. (1999)).
Czasopismo
Rocznik
Tom
Strony
133--146
Opis fizyczny
Bibliogr. 17 poz., rys., tab.
Twórcy
autor
- Akademia Morska w Gdyni Katedra Meteorologii i Oceanografii Nautycznej, stysa@am.gdynia.pl
Bibliografia
Typ dokumentu
Bibliografia
Identyfikator YADDA
bwmeta1.element.baztech-article-BWM3-0020-0019
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