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Firn temperature and meltwater refreezing in the lower accumulation area of the Greenland ice sheet, Pâkitsoq, West Greenland

Roger J. Braithwaite

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Abstract

Firn temperatures and meltwater refreezing are studied in the lower accumulation area of the Greenland ice sheet as part of an international project on sea level changes. In the study area, 1440–1620 m a.s.l., meltwater penetrates several metres into the firn and refreezes, warming the firn by 5–7°C compared with annual air temperatures. This firn warming is closely related to surface melt which can be estimated by several methods. A relatively high degree-day factor is needed to account for the melt rates found.

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Firn temperatures and meltwater refreezing are studied in the lower accumulation area of the Greenland ice sheet as part of an international project on sea level changes. In the study area, 1440–1620 m a.s.l., meltwater penetrates several metres into the firn and refreezes, warming the firn by 5–7°C compared with annual air temperatures. This firn warming is closely related to surface melt which can be estimated by several methods. A relatively high degree-day factor is needed to account for the melt rates found.

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Available abstract

Firn temperatures and meltwater refreezing are studied in the lower accumulation area of the Greenland ice sheet as part of an international project on sea level changes. In the study area, 1440–1620 m a.s.l., meltwater penetrates several metres into the firn and refreezes, warming the firn by 5–7°C compared with annual air temperatures. This firn warming is closely related to surface melt which can be estimated by several methods. A relatively high degree-day factor is needed to account for the melt rates found.

Key concepts: Firn, Meltwater, Greenland ice sheet, Ice sheet, Geology, Future sea level, Snow, Accumulation zone

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