Seasonal variation of meteorological variables and recent surface ablation / accumulation rates on Davies Dome and Whisky Glacier, James Ross Island, Antarctica

In this study, surface mass balance data of two glaciers on James Ross Island, Antarctica, and its spatial and temporal variations are evaluated using snow ablation stakes, ground-penetrating radar, and dGPS measurements. The investigated glaciers are located on the Ulu Peninsula, northern part of James Ross Island. Mass balance investigations started in 2006 on Davies Dome and in 2009 on Whisky Glacier. Since 2009 the surveys cover the whole surface area of both glaciers. The height and position of measurement stakes were measured each year. Preliminary results of mass balance changes suggest the net positive volume balance of the glaciers. Between 2009 and 2010 mass gain was observed on the whole surface of Davies Dome, whereas in 2010–2011 the loss up to 0.25 m took place along southeastern limit of the dome. The net mass gain was identified on the whole Whisky Glacier except for the terminus below 280 m a.s.l., where the surface mass decreased by up to 0.14 m. The repeated measurements reveal the asymmetric pattern of the mass changes with higher accumulation rate on the eastern part of the valley glacier.