Oxygen-isotope ratios (δ18O) measured on ice cores on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China, increased by 1.2-2.2‰ from the 1960s to the 1990s. Measurements of the δ18O content of precipitation and the simultaneous air temperatures needed to compute the temperature increase corresponding to the increase in δ18O are currently made at the Delingha Meteorological Station, but the amount of data is not yet sufficient to obtain a reliable result.

We have measured ice flow and detailed topography in northeastern Greenland using satellite-based synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) interferometry. The subject of this study is the large ice stream that drains this quadrant of the ice sheet. A single SAR interferogram allows the measurement of one component of motion over a several-day-long interval. We have used a set of such measurements from multiple look directions to produce a mosaic of ice-flow velocity. The resulting flow field is tied to an estimated balance-velocity distribution in slow-moving areas and assumes flow to be locally surface-parallel. The velocity field is the most detailed, consistent data-set available over a flow feature of this size. It compares with global positioning system surveyed velocity measurements at the 5 m a–1 level In the process of mapping ice-flow velocity an enhanced elevation model of the ice stream was produced. The elevation model is based on a blend of interferometrically measured short-wavelength topography and radar-altimetry-determined longer-wavelength topography. This enhanced model has improved information on local surface slope, which is useful for estimating the horizontal components of the velocity field.

It is commonly asserted that there are two distinct classes of glacier surges: slow, long-duration ‘Svalbard-type’ surges, triggered by a transition from cold- to warm-based conditions (thermal switching), and fast, shorter-duration ‘Alaska-type’ surges triggered by a reorganisation of the basal drainage system (hydraulic switching). This classification, however, reflects neither the diversity of surges in Svalbard and Alaska (and other regions), nor the fundamental dynamic processes underlying all surges. We argue that enthalpy balance theory offers a framework for understanding the spectrum of glacier surging behaviours while emphasising their essential dynamic unity. In this paper, we summarise enthalpy balance theory, illustrate its potential to explain so-called ‘Svalbard-type’ and ‘Alaska-type’ surges using a single set of principles, and show examples of a much wider range of glacier surge behaviour than previously observed. We then identify some future directions for research, including strategies for testing predictions of the theory against field and remote sensing data, and priorities for numerical model development.

The purpose of this work is to study the relationship of energetic and physical properties of polymetric materials with ice adhesion, and to develop the material to prevent ice adhesion. From various parameters of water and ice, dispersion and hydrogen bond contribution of surface free energy of ice were calculated. Using these values and that of contact angle formed between Ice and polymer in the air and also in paraffin, work of adhesion W-πe and W were determined respectively. The difference W-(W-πe) has made it possible to evaluate the effect of surface pressure n on ice adhesion. On the other hand, actual adhesive strength of ice was measured. Some correlations between theoretical and observed values were found. Further, visco-elastic properties of polymers below icing temperature and temperature dependence of strain in the ice/polymer system were investigated. The results showed some characteristics of polymers which are related to molecular mobility at lower temperature, are effective in reducing the adhesive strength to ice.

Numerous attempts were made to develop coating materials to prevent ice adhesion. A composite polymer composition, which has peculiar ingredients and structure, was proposed and found to provide the ability for the lowest ice adhesion. Ice preventive mechanism of the film was discussed.

In the spring of 1995 an extensive global positioning system (GPS) survey was carried out on the Amery Ice Shelf, East Antarctica, providing ground-truth ellipsoidal height measurements for the European remote-sensing satellite (ERS) radar altimeters. GPS- and altimeter-derived surface heights have been compared at the intersecting points of the ERS ground tracks and the GPS survey. The mean and rms height difference for all ERS-1 geodetic-phase tracks across the survey region is 0.0 + 0.1 m and 1.7 m, respectively. The spatial distribution of the height differences is highly correlated with surface topographic variations. Comparisons of GPS-derived surface-elevation profiles along ERS ground tracks show that the ERS altimeters can closely follow the GPS representation of the actual surface.

During the austral summer 1996–97 an extensive field program with geophysical and geodetic observations was carried out in the vicinity of the grounding line of Ekstromisen, Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica. The main emphasis of the joint program was placed on continuous observations of the horizontal as well as the vertical component of the ice displacement across the grounding zone. Data-processing methods for the in parts discontinuous time series and the vertical displacements in the area of the grounding zone are described, and first results presented, with the focus on the influence of the ocean tides on grounded ice. Tidal-induced deflections with amplitudes of up to 0.15 m were recorded at a station on grounded ice 1 km from the grounding line.

A deep ice core drilled to 2503 m depth at Dome Fuji, Antarctica, contains 25 visible tephra layers during the past 340 ka. The thickness of tephra layers is in the range 1-24 mm. The thickness and duration at deposition, determined by a simple ice-flow model, suggests that a violent volcanic eruption caused ash to fall onto the Antarctic ice sheet for ~5 years and to form a ~100 mm thick tephra layer at 117 ka BE Two tephra layers at depths of 573 and 2202 m probably originated from volcanoes in the South Sandwich Islands, Southern Ocean, given the size of tephra shards, >20μm in diameter, and their major chemical composition. Only eight of the 25 tephra layers can also be recognized in the Vostok (Antarctica) ice core, but all correspond to the Vostok tephras if we consider cloudy bands to be volcanic.

Inter- and intra-annual velocity variations are well known on alpine glaciers, but their importance for Arctic glaciers has only been recognized more recently. This paper presents flow velocity data from Finsterwalderbreen, a 35 km2 polythermal surge-type glacier in southern Svalbard that is presently ∼100 years into its quiescent phase. Field measurements of glacier surface velocities are available from 1950-52 and 1994-97, and mean velocities for the last decade are estimated for the lower glacier using cables drilled to the glacier bed. These velocities show substantial seasonal variations indicating that basal sliding is an important component of surface velocities and interannual fluctuations of up to 75%, possibly indicating variations in subglacial water storage. Several lines of evidence indicate that this glacier has an extensive subglacial hydrological system, generally considered to be a prerequisite for surge-type glaciers, which is at least partly pressurized. Information on surface morphology from 1898 onwards shows that the glacier has experienced continuous retreat since the last surge in about 1910, and has now retreated ∼1.5 km further back than its previous pre-surge position in 1898. Tracking of moraine loops on terrestrial and aerial photographs acquired over a 100 year period indicates that the surge period of Finsterwalderbreen may be lengthening in response to climate changes.

Outbursts of subglacial water from numerous alpine glaciers have been observed and documented. Such events tend to occur in spring and are thus attributed to an inability of the winter subglacial drainage system (characterized by high water pressure and low capacity) to accommodate a sudden and profuse influx of surface meltwater. Prior to a release event, bursts of glacier motion are common, and the release then precipitates the restoration of summer plumbing that damps or terminates surface acceleration. The events bear witness to the importance of interactions between surface melt, runoff, en-glacial water storage and internal routing, in addition to subglacial drainage morphology. Using a distributed numerical model to simultaneously solve surficial, englacial and subglacial water-transport equations, we investigate the role of these components in a hydro-mechanical event observed at Trapridge Glacier, YukonTerritory, Canada, in July 1990.

A compilation of reliable data for sodium, nitrate, chloride and sulphate has been made. NO3 concentrations arc remarkably consistent across Antarctica, though there appears to be some correlation with altitude and accumulation rate. Post-depositional loss of NO3- is important at low-accumulation sites. Cl concentration (either measured directly or calculated from Na+ via the sea salt ratio) decreases with distance from the coast, though the decline is less rapid if the coastal topography is not steep or mountainous. Excess sulphate (xsSO42) concentration (here calculated from normal sea-salt ratios with Na+ or Cl) also declines with distance from the coast, though less quickly than Cl-. Fractionation of sea-salt ions makes the calculation of SO42- uncertain.

Recent surges of two outlet glaciers of the Vatnajökull ice cap, Iceland, were observed using European Remote-sensing Satellite (ERS) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) tandem interferograms from12 different dates between December 1995 and January 2000. ERS SAR interferometry provided new information on the temporal and spatial variations in surface velocity during surges, after fieldwork became impossible. The area affected by the surge and therefore by increased basal sliding was delineated. Themigration of flow divides on the ice cap during a surge was described. At Sylgjujökull, a western outlet glacier covering an area of 175 km2, the fully developed surge and its abating phase were studied. Over a period of 4 2 years after December 1995, the ice motion decreased steadily, with initially the highest velocities and subsequently the most pronounced decrease in velocity at the glacier terminus. The surge of Dyngjujökull, a northern outlet glacier covering an area of 1040 km2, reached its maximum in 1999/2000. Slow acceleration over an area of about 200 km2 was first observed between March 1996 and January 1997. The interferogram from January 1999 shows a well-developed surge area, covering 210 km2. This area more than doubled by January 2000, with maximum velocities reaching >7 md–1. Between January 1997 and January 2000, the flow divide between Dyngju- and Skeiðararjökull shifted 16 km to the south. The investigations indicate that a surge cycle on these glaciers spans several years, with slowly increasing motion over an extended area in the beginning, and more pronounced velocity changes during the active surge phase lasting 1–2 years.

Interpretation of ice mass elevation changes observed by satellite altimetry demands quantification of the proportion of elevation change which is attributable to variations in firn densification. Detailed stratigraphic logging of snowpack structure and density was carried out at ~1km intervals along a 47 km transect on Devon Ice Cap, Canada, in spring (pre-melt) and autumn (during/ after melt) 2004 and 2006 to characterize seasonal snowpack variability across the full range of snow facies. Simultaneous meteorological measurements were gathered. Spring (pre-melt) snowpacks show low variability over large spatial scales, with low-magnitude changes in density. The end-of-summer/ autumn density profiles show high variability in both 2004 and 2006, with vastly different melt regimes generating dissimilar patterns of ice-layer formation over the two melt seasons. Dye-tracing experiments from spring to autumn 2006 reveal that vertical and horizontal distribution of meltwater flow within and below the annual snowpack is strongly affected by the pre-existing, often subtle stratigraphic interfaces in the snowpack, rather than its bulk properties. Strong interannual variability suggests that using a simple relationship between air temperature, elevation and snowpack densification to derive mass change from measurements of elevation change across High Arctic ice caps may be misguided. Melt timing and duration are important extrinsic factors governing snowpack densification and ice-layer formation in summer, rather than averaged air temperatures.

Results from electromagnetic induction surveys of sea-ice thickness in Storfjorden, Svalbard, reveal large interannual ice-thickness variations in a region which is typically characterized by a reoccurring polynya. the surveys were performed in March 2003, May 2006 and March 2007 with helicopter- and ship-based sensors. the thickness distributions are influenced by sea-ice and atmospheric boundary conditions 2 months prior to the surveys, which are assessed with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images, regional QuikSCAT backscatter maps and wind information from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) reanalysis dataset. Locally formed thin ice from the Storfjorden polynya was frequently observed in 2003 and 2007 (mean thickness 0.55 and 0.37 m, respectively) because these years were characterized by prevailing northeasterly winds. In contrast, the entire fjord was covered with thick external sea ice in 2006 (mean thickness 2.21 m), when ice from the Barents Sea was driven into the fjord by predominantly southerly winds. the modal thickness of this external ice in 2006 increased from 1.2m in the northern fjord to 2.4 m in the southern fjord, indicating stronger deformation in the southern part. This dynamically thickened ice was even thicker than multi-year ice advected from the central Arctic Ocean in 2003 (mean thickness 1.83 m). the thermodynamic ice thickness of fast ice as boundary condition is investigated with a one-dimensional sea-ice growth model (1DICE) forced with meteorological data from the weather station at the island of Hopen, southeast of Storfjorden. the model results are in good agreement with the modal thicknesses of fast-ice measurements in all years.

At the German wintering base Neumayer, an intensive glacio-meteorological programme has been carried out during the last two decades. A complete meteorological dataset and data from surface snow samples, snow pits, firn cores and weekly accumulation measurements from a stake array are available. We first investigated the attenuation of the seasonal δ18O signal due to water-vapour diffusion in the snowpack. A comparison of surface snow samples and firn cores of different ages shows that only one-third of the seasonal δ18O signal of the surface snow samples remains in the cores after the first year. No further significant change in the amplitude of the seasonal δ18O signal is found later. Changes in the seasonal distribution of accumulation can lead to a bias in ice-core properties. This is studied on a short time-scale, using high-time-resolution data of accumulation, stable-isotope ratios and air temperature. Mean annual δ18O values from firn cores are not well correlated to annual mean air temperatures. However, the correlation is improved considerably by calculating an annual mean air temperature using monthly mean temperatures weighted by monthly accumulation. At Neumayer, it is mainly the cyclonic activity in late winter/early spring that determines whether and how the core data are biased.

At both corners of the now stagnant Kamb Ice Stream (KIS, West Antarctica) outlet, shear margins of different ages confine wedge-shaped areas with relatively flat, smooth surfaces that stagnated before the main trunk of the ice stream. We identify these features as lakes or past lakes, and consider scenarios for their development in a regional history of ongoing adjustment to grounding-line position. We focus here on the centuries leading up to the recent stagnation of KIS, a time when its grounding line appears to have advanced >100km from an earlier upstream location. Starting from stagnation of Crary Ice Rise and changes in the grounding zone of Whillans Ice Stream, we trace feedbacks associated with local thickening, ice grounding and thickness transients that both advance the grounding line and leave remnant lakes in their wake. These lakes in turn promote the development of secondary margins that may appear as ‘margin jumps’ in the ice record.

Snow-pit and shallow firn-core records of oxygen isotope ratios (δ18O) and trace ion species were generated at a high-accumulation site on Law Dome, East Antarctica. Concordance between accumulation events identified in records up to 7.7 km a part confirms that the observed glaciochemical variations are the result of regional rather than local surface effects. This allows calibration of the snow-pit records with measured meteorological parameters. Net accumulation periods that comprise the snow-pit record are identified using hourly snow-accumulation measurements from a co-located automatic weather station (AWS). Particular focus is given to three net accumulation periods preserved during austral summer 1999/2000 that correspond to the top 0.5 m of the snow pit. Local meteorological conditions recorded during the summer accumulation periods by the AWS are combined with regional and synoptic-scale meteorology derived from Casey station (110 km away) and Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer satellite imagery to identify potential source regions for chemical signals preserved in summer snow at Law Dome.

A new digital elevation model of the surface of the Greenland ice sheet and surrounding rock outcrops has been produced from a comprehensive suite of satellite and airborne remote-sensing and cartographic datasets. The surface model has been regridded to a resolution of 5 km, and combined with a new ice-thickness grid derived from ice-penetrating radar data collected in the 1970s and 1990s. A further dataset, the International Bathymetric Chart of the Arctic Ocean, was used to extend the bed elevations to include the continental shelf. The new bed topography was compared with a previous version used for ice-sheet modelling. Near the margins of the ice sheet and, in particular, in the vicinity of small-scale features associated with outlet glaciers and rapid ice motion, significant differences were noted. This was highlighted by a detailed comparison of the bed topography around the northeast Greenland ice stream.

The North Greenland Icecore Project (NorthGRIP) drill site was chosen in order to obtain a good Eemian record. At the present depth, 3001 m, the Eemian interstadial has yet to be seen. Clearly the flow in this area is poorly understood and needs further investigation. After a review of specific features of the bottom topography, it is believed that the geology changes along the flowline. In order to investigate whether this explains the observed age–depth relationship at NorthGRIP, the inverse Monte Carlo method has been applied to a simple model. the inversion reveals that the main reason no Eemian is observed is a high basal melt rate (2.7 mma–1). the melting is a consequence of a higher geothermal heat flux than the expected 51 mWm–2 of the Precambrian shield. from our analyses it is concluded that the geothermal heat flux at NorthGRIP is 98 mWm–2.The high basal melt rate also gives rise to sliding at the bed. In addition to these results, an accumulation model has been established specifically for NorthGRIP. These results are essential for further modelling of the NorthGRIP flow and depth–age relationship.

In this work, we present the records of insoluble silicon (Si), iron (Fe) and titanium (Ti) from continental mineral particles (dust) archived in the first 2200m of the EPICA Dome C (EDC) ice core. More than 200 samples covering the last 220 kyr, back to marine isotopic stage 7.4, were analyzed using the particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) technique, applied here for the first time to the investigation of the mineral content of an Antarctic ice core. The measurements were made exclusively on the insoluble fraction, obtained from filtration of the melted ice samples. The mineral fraction of the particle mass determined from the PIXE measurements is highly correlated to the total dust mass determined by particle counting using a Coulter©Counter. The principal variations during the different climatic periods are very coherent between the PIXE analysis results and the total dust mass determined by counting. Both sets of results show increasing concentration values during glacial stages 2, 4 and 6 and very low particle content during interglacials (Holocene and stage 5e). The large increase in atmospheric dustiness during cold stages is assumed to be caused by several factors, among which are the enhanced vigour of atmospheric transport. However, the PIXE results from this work highlight some slight differences in Si, Fe and Ti concentrations with respect to the total dust mass during the different climatic periods. As a hypothesis, such variations could reflect either different atmospheric processes affecting particles during transport, or changes that occurred in the dust source regions.

Air-temperature records (TA) during 1992 from five inland Antarctic automatic weather station (AWS) sites were compared with the best available infrared temperatures (TIR) from the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) as well as calibrated passive-microwave temperatures (TC) from the Special Sensor Microwave/Imager (SSM/I). Daily and monthly average TA, TIR, and TC data indicate that each approach captures generally similar trends at each site but each approach also has limitations. AWS TA data are considered the most accurate but represent spatially restricted areas and may have long gaps due to sensor or transmission problems. AVHRR TIR data have daily variability similar to the TA record but have numerous small gaps due to cloud cover or observation interruptions. An offset between TA and TIR (>4 K) at the South Pole site was identified that may be due to the inclusion of data with large satellite scan angles necessary to cover this area. SSM/I TC data have the most continuity but exhibit calibration problems, a significantly damped daily response and do not cover all of Antarctica. Individual daily differences between TA and TIR as well as TA and TC can exceed 17 K, but all sites have mean daily differences of about 1 Kor better, after compensating for the offset at South Pole, and standard deviations of <6K. Monthly temperature differences are typically 5 K or better, with standard deviations generally <3K. And finally, using the available data, the 1992 average temperature differences are <1 K.