Quiescent-phase changes in velocity and geometry of Finsterwalderbreen, a surge-type glacier in Svalbard

Finsterwalderbreen is a 35 km2, polythermal glacier in southern Spitsbergen, which last surged at around the start of the 20th century, and is still in the quiescent phase. Surface elevations measured several times since 1898 show strong thinning and retreat at the front, and gradual build-up in the accumulation area. Present-day annual velocities increase from about 1 m a–1 at the snout to a maximum of 13 m a–1 near the equilibrium line, then drop to 5 m a–1 at the bergschrund. Summer velocities are higher than the annual average, and winter velocities are lower (10–60% of summer velocities, where both are measured over several months). Velocities measured along the glacier centre line in 1950–52 are higher than those measured in 1994–95 in the upper basin, but are lower in the ablation area, which may be attributable to changes in surface profile on recovery from the surge. The measured modern ice flux (≈2.5 x 10–3 km3 a–1 w.e.) is only about 60% of the flux required to maintain balance (≈4.1 x 10–3 km3 a–1 w.e.), as determined from continuing mass-balance studies. Multi-frequency radar profiles show that most of the glacier is at the pressure-melting point at the base. This is consistent with hydrological studies showing high suspended-sediment loads, and hydro-chemical evidence of high sulphate levels, both indicating a well-developed basal drainage system during the summer which probably accounts for the seasonal velocity variations. Since the glacier still has a temperate bed, and appears to be building up in the accumulation area, it may be developing towards another surge.