• dr Michał Ciepły
Position: adiunkt
Unit: Instytut Nauk o Ziemi
Adress: 41-200 Sosnowiec, ul. Będzińska 60
Floor: I/XIV
Room: 105/1401
Phone: (32) 3689 380
E-mail: michal.cieply@us.edu.pl
Publications list: Publications by CINiBA
Publications list: Publications by OPUS
Scopus Author ID: 56967191700
Publications from the Scopus database
2023
Tegowski, J.; Glowacki, O.; Ciepły, M.; Błaszczyk, M.; Jania, J. A.; Moskalik, M.; Blondel, P.; Deane, G. B.
Monitoring glacier calving using underwater sound Journal Article
In: Cryosphere, vol. 17, no. 10, pp. 4447-4461, 2023, ISSN: 19940416.
@article{2-s2.0-85178248440,
title = {Monitoring glacier calving using underwater sound},
author = { J. Tegowski and O. Glowacki and M. Ciepły and M. Błaszczyk and J.A. Jania and M. Moskalik and P. Blondel and G.B. Deane},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85178248440&doi=10.5194%2ftc-17-4447-2023&partnerID=40&md5=76e6bad9e70426a0fed2f7f81f1823f7},
doi = {10.5194/tc-17-4447-2023},
issn = {19940416},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-01-01},
journal = {Cryosphere},
volume = {17},
number = {10},
pages = {4447-4461},
publisher = {Copernicus Publications},
abstract = {Climate shifts are particularly conspicuous in glaciated areas. Satellite and terrestrial observations show significant increases in the melting and breakup of tidewater glaciers and their influence on sea level rise and ocean mixing. Increasing melt rates are creating an urgency to better understand the link between atmospheric and oceanic conditions and glacier frontal ablation through iceberg calving and melting. Elucidating this link requires a combination of short- and long-timescale measurements of terminus activity. Recent work has demonstrated the potential of using underwater sound to quantify the time and scale of calving events to yield integrated estimates of ice mass loss . Here, we present estimates of subaerial calving flux using underwater sound recorded at Hansbreen, Svalbard, in September 2013 combined with an algorithm for the automatic detection of calving events. The method is compared with ice calving volumes estimated from geodetic measurements of the movement of the glacier terminus and an analysis of satellite images. The total volume of above-water calving during the 26 d of acoustical observation is estimated to be 1.7±0.7×107 m3, whereas the subaerial calving flux estimated by traditional methods is 7±2×106 m3. The results suggest that passive cryoacoustics is a viable technique for long-term monitoring of mass loss from marine-terminating glaciers. © 2023 Jarosław Tȩgowski et al.},
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pubstate = {published},
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}
Climate shifts are particularly conspicuous in glaciated areas. Satellite and terrestrial observations show significant increases in the melting and breakup of tidewater glaciers and their influence on sea level rise and ocean mixing. Increasing melt rates are creating an urgency to better understand the link between atmospheric and oceanic conditions and glacier frontal ablation through iceberg calving and melting. Elucidating this link requires a combination of short- and long-timescale measurements of terminus activity. Recent work has demonstrated the potential of using underwater sound to quantify the time and scale of calving events to yield integrated estimates of ice mass loss . Here, we present estimates of subaerial calving flux using underwater sound recorded at Hansbreen, Svalbard, in September 2013 combined with an algorithm for the automatic detection of calving events. The method is compared with ice calving volumes estimated from geodetic measurements of the movement of the glacier terminus and an analysis of satellite images. The total volume of above-water calving during the 26 d of acoustical observation is estimated to be 1.7±0.7×107 m3, whereas the subaerial calving flux estimated by traditional methods is 7±2×106 m3. The results suggest that passive cryoacoustics is a viable technique for long-term monitoring of mass loss from marine-terminating glaciers. © 2023 Jarosław Tȩgowski et al.
Ciepły, M.; Ignatiuk, D.; Moskalik, M.; Jania, J. A.; Luks, B.; Glowacki, O.; Wojtysiak, K.
Seasonal changes in submarine melting mechanisms controlling frontal ablation of Hansbreen, Svalbard Journal Article
In: Journal of Glaciology, 2023, ISSN: 00221430.
@article{2-s2.0-85173433313,
title = {Seasonal changes in submarine melting mechanisms controlling frontal ablation of Hansbreen, Svalbard},
author = { M. Ciepły and D. Ignatiuk and M. Moskalik and J.A. Jania and B. Luks and O. Glowacki and K. Wojtysiak},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85173433313&doi=10.1017%2fjog.2023.69&partnerID=40&md5=289810dbd35485e0d4e3e63b90844f87},
doi = {10.1017/jog.2023.69},
issn = {00221430},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-01-01},
journal = {Journal of Glaciology},
publisher = {Cambridge University Press},
abstract = {We describe the annual pattern of frontal ablation driven by submarine melting mechanisms at the Hansbreen terminus: these are reflected in the intensity and spatial distribution of calving events. Analysis of time-lapse images of the Hansbreen front in conjunction with oceanographic and meteorological data shows that calving intensity is driven primarily by seawater temperature. Regression analysis also highlights the importance of air temperature, which we take to be a proxy for surface ablation and subglacial discharge. This, combined with seasonal changes in ice cliff tortuosity and the increasing significance of wave motion outside the ablation season, enabled us to determine seasonal changes in the mechanisms of ice cliff undercutting by submarine melting. While submarine melting controlled by estuarine circulation primarily drives frontal ablation in summer, wave-driven melting at the waterline is more important outside the ablation season. During winter, ice cliff undercutting by melting is suspended by low seawater temperature, negligible subglacial water discharge and sea-ice cover. The most intense frontal ablation, recorded in summer, was related to higher sea temperature and vigorous estuarine circulation. Copyright © The Author(s), 2023. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of The International Glaciological Society.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
We describe the annual pattern of frontal ablation driven by submarine melting mechanisms at the Hansbreen terminus: these are reflected in the intensity and spatial distribution of calving events. Analysis of time-lapse images of the Hansbreen front in conjunction with oceanographic and meteorological data shows that calving intensity is driven primarily by seawater temperature. Regression analysis also highlights the importance of air temperature, which we take to be a proxy for surface ablation and subglacial discharge. This, combined with seasonal changes in ice cliff tortuosity and the increasing significance of wave motion outside the ablation season, enabled us to determine seasonal changes in the mechanisms of ice cliff undercutting by submarine melting. While submarine melting controlled by estuarine circulation primarily drives frontal ablation in summer, wave-driven melting at the waterline is more important outside the ablation season. During winter, ice cliff undercutting by melting is suspended by low seawater temperature, negligible subglacial water discharge and sea-ice cover. The most intense frontal ablation, recorded in summer, was related to higher sea temperature and vigorous estuarine circulation. Copyright © The Author(s), 2023. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of The International Glaciological Society.
2022
Szumny, M.; Gądek, B.; Laska, M.; Ciepły, M.
Thermal Sensitivity of High Mountain Lakes: The Role of Morphometry and Topography (The Tatra Mts., Poland) Journal Article
In: Water (Switzerland), vol. 14, no. 17, 2022, ISSN: 20734441.
@article{2-s2.0-85137752307,
title = {Thermal Sensitivity of High Mountain Lakes: The Role of Morphometry and Topography (The Tatra Mts., Poland)},
author = { M. Szumny and B. Gądek and M. Laska and M. Ciepły},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85137752307&doi=10.3390%2fw14172704&partnerID=40&md5=760670ab6bc3fdf1b4c5fcc08b191ba5},
doi = {10.3390/w14172704},
issn = {20734441},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-01-01},
journal = {Water (Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {17},
publisher = {MDPI},
abstract = {This study presents the results of a 5-year monitoring program of ice cover, water temperature, and local meteorological conditions carried out in three reference lakes in the periglacial zone of the Polish Tatra Mountains. On the basis of this information, the relationships between the weighted mean water temperature of each of these lakes and the air temperature, wind speed, precipitation, and ice–snow cover in the summer, spring, and autumn seasons, as well as year-round, were described, and the roles of the morphometry of lakes and the topography of their catchments were determined. It was found that the sensitivity of the lakes to climate warming increased with a decrease in their area/depth and shade, and with an increase in altitude and the share of wind-blown snow in the formation of the ice–snow cover. An increase in the mean annual air temperature does not necessarily translate into the warming of lakes, but, paradoxically, may result in their cooling. The current climate may not be best reflected by the most sensitive lakes, but rather by the largest ones located in the subalpine zone. © 2022 by the authors.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
This study presents the results of a 5-year monitoring program of ice cover, water temperature, and local meteorological conditions carried out in three reference lakes in the periglacial zone of the Polish Tatra Mountains. On the basis of this information, the relationships between the weighted mean water temperature of each of these lakes and the air temperature, wind speed, precipitation, and ice–snow cover in the summer, spring, and autumn seasons, as well as year-round, were described, and the roles of the morphometry of lakes and the topography of their catchments were determined. It was found that the sensitivity of the lakes to climate warming increased with a decrease in their area/depth and shade, and with an increase in altitude and the share of wind-blown snow in the formation of the ice–snow cover. An increase in the mean annual air temperature does not necessarily translate into the warming of lakes, but, paradoxically, may result in their cooling. The current climate may not be best reflected by the most sensitive lakes, but rather by the largest ones located in the subalpine zone. © 2022 by the authors.
2021
Ruman, M.; Kosek, K.; Kozioł, K.; Ciepły, M.; Kozak-Dylewska, K.; Polkowska, Ż.
A High-Arctic flow-through lake system hydrochemical changes: Revvatnet, southwestern Svalbard (years 2010–2018) Journal Article
In: Chemosphere, vol. 275, 2021, ISSN: 00456535, (3).
@article{2-s2.0-85101830997,
title = {A High-Arctic flow-through lake system hydrochemical changes: Revvatnet, southwestern Svalbard (years 2010–2018)},
author = { M. Ruman and K. Kosek and K. Kozioł and M. Ciepły and K. Kozak-Dylewska and Ż. Polkowska},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85101830997&doi=10.1016%2fj.chemosphere.2021.130046&partnerID=40&md5=9fa3828c623e9dd82d2b64a9589b87a4},
doi = {10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130046},
issn = {00456535},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-01-01},
journal = {Chemosphere},
volume = {275},
publisher = {Elsevier Ltd},
abstract = {Lake ecosystems are strongly coupled to features of their surrounding landscapes such as geomorphology, lithology, vegetation and hydrological characteristics. In the 2010–2018 summer seasons, we investigated an Arctic flow-through lake system Revvatnet, located in the vicinity of the coastal zone of Hornsund fjord in Svalbard, characterising its hydrological properties and the chemical composition of its waters. The lake system comprises of a small upper lake and a large lower one, the latter cone-shaped, with −29.1 m maximum depth. With near-neutral pH (full range 6.5–8.4) and low EC (7–147 μS cm-1), the lake has rather similar characteristics to many Arctic lakes. Metal and metalloid concentrations were either similar across the lake system or increased downstream (except Zn; which has important ore-bearing veins in the upper part of the catchment), which is consistent with the likely slow dissolution of suspended particles within the lakes. The ∑PAHs concentrations ranged from <MDL to 2151 ng L-1, and according to the indicator PAHs concentration ratios, they originated from a mixture of combustion processes (they were not petrogenic). Principal component analysis showed that seasonal variability was the most characteristic feature of the chemical composition of these waters, although there appear to be consistent changes with time (sampling year) as well. Future research should explore the occurrence of high maxima in the concentrations of priority pollutants, such as PAHs, metals and metalloids (e.g. As). © 2021 Elsevier Ltd},
note = {3},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Lake ecosystems are strongly coupled to features of their surrounding landscapes such as geomorphology, lithology, vegetation and hydrological characteristics. In the 2010–2018 summer seasons, we investigated an Arctic flow-through lake system Revvatnet, located in the vicinity of the coastal zone of Hornsund fjord in Svalbard, characterising its hydrological properties and the chemical composition of its waters. The lake system comprises of a small upper lake and a large lower one, the latter cone-shaped, with −29.1 m maximum depth. With near-neutral pH (full range 6.5–8.4) and low EC (7–147 μS cm-1), the lake has rather similar characteristics to many Arctic lakes. Metal and metalloid concentrations were either similar across the lake system or increased downstream (except Zn; which has important ore-bearing veins in the upper part of the catchment), which is consistent with the likely slow dissolution of suspended particles within the lakes. The ∑PAHs concentrations ranged from <MDL to 2151 ng L-1, and according to the indicator PAHs concentration ratios, they originated from a mixture of combustion processes (they were not petrogenic). Principal component analysis showed that seasonal variability was the most characteristic feature of the chemical composition of these waters, although there appear to be consistent changes with time (sampling year) as well. Future research should explore the occurrence of high maxima in the concentrations of priority pollutants, such as PAHs, metals and metalloids (e.g. As). © 2021 Elsevier Ltd
Błaszczyk, M.; Jania, J. A.; Ciepły, M.; Grabiec, M.; Ignatiuk, D.; Kolondra, L.; Kruss, A.; Luks, B.; Moskalik, M.; Pastusiak, T.; Strzelewicz, A.; Walczowski, W.; Wawrzyniak, T.
Factors Controlling Terminus Position of Hansbreen, a Tidewater Glacier in Svalbard Journal Article
In: Journal of Geophysical Research: Earth Surface, vol. 126, no. 2, 2021, ISSN: 21699003, (8).
@article{2-s2.0-85101556111,
title = {Factors Controlling Terminus Position of Hansbreen, a Tidewater Glacier in Svalbard},
author = { M. Błaszczyk and J.A. Jania and M. Ciepły and M. Grabiec and D. Ignatiuk and L. Kolondra and A. Kruss and B. Luks and M. Moskalik and T. Pastusiak and A. Strzelewicz and W. Walczowski and T. Wawrzyniak},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85101556111&doi=10.1029%2f2020JF005763&partnerID=40&md5=1ef236ce438063f6bcd65406aff0dd64},
doi = {10.1029/2020JF005763},
issn = {21699003},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-01-01},
journal = {Journal of Geophysical Research: Earth Surface},
volume = {126},
number = {2},
publisher = {Blackwell Publishing Ltd},
abstract = {The mechanism of glacier recession and its climatic controls are complex processes that differ across the Arctic region. Here, we investigate factors influencing front variations of Hansbreen, a glacier terminated in Hornsund fjord (SW Svalbard). We apply remote sensing data to observe glacier front fluctuations between 1992 and 2015 and compare them to atmospheric and oceanographic data, sea water depth at the terminus and surface velocity. Rate of subglacial meltwater discharge approximated by the seasonal positive degree-day index (PDD) together with sea thermal conditions appear to be the main factors responsible for the fluctuations of the front of Hansbreen, while water depth at the front plays a secondary role. Taking into account ocean and air thermal conditions, the studied period has been divided into warm, cold and moderate years. The glacier retreated considerably throughout a bedrock overdeepening in the very warm period 2012–2014. This recession coincided with a slower ice flow due to intense subglacial runoff and increased submarine melting. The long-term retreat was interrupted by glacier advances in colder years, regardless of water depth at the front. The slower recession rate was the combined effect of decreased subglacial melting and increased glacier movement associated with lower subglacial runoff. Although the seasonal PDD is a good indicator of the front fluctuations, the duration of the retreat and advance periods are strongly correlated with the sea surface temperature. Expected climate warming and an increase of water temperature in the West Spitsbergen Current will stimulate further recession of Hansbreen in future. © 2020. American Geophysical Union. All Rights Reserved.},
note = {8},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The mechanism of glacier recession and its climatic controls are complex processes that differ across the Arctic region. Here, we investigate factors influencing front variations of Hansbreen, a glacier terminated in Hornsund fjord (SW Svalbard). We apply remote sensing data to observe glacier front fluctuations between 1992 and 2015 and compare them to atmospheric and oceanographic data, sea water depth at the terminus and surface velocity. Rate of subglacial meltwater discharge approximated by the seasonal positive degree-day index (PDD) together with sea thermal conditions appear to be the main factors responsible for the fluctuations of the front of Hansbreen, while water depth at the front plays a secondary role. Taking into account ocean and air thermal conditions, the studied period has been divided into warm, cold and moderate years. The glacier retreated considerably throughout a bedrock overdeepening in the very warm period 2012–2014. This recession coincided with a slower ice flow due to intense subglacial runoff and increased submarine melting. The long-term retreat was interrupted by glacier advances in colder years, regardless of water depth at the front. The slower recession rate was the combined effect of decreased subglacial melting and increased glacier movement associated with lower subglacial runoff. Although the seasonal PDD is a good indicator of the front fluctuations, the duration of the retreat and advance periods are strongly correlated with the sea surface temperature. Expected climate warming and an increase of water temperature in the West Spitsbergen Current will stimulate further recession of Hansbreen in future. © 2020. American Geophysical Union. All Rights Reserved.
2019
Ruman, M.; Ciepły, M.; Polkowska, Ż.
American Institute of Physics Inc., vol. 2186, 2019, ISSN: 0094243X.
@proceedings{2-s2.0-85076718616,
title = {Determination of selected parameters/analytes in surface water samples collected in the surroundings of the capital of Spitsbergen (Longyearbyen)},
author = { M. Ruman and M. Ciepły and Ż. Polkowska},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85076718616&doi=10.1063%2f1.5138039&partnerID=40&md5=2dd903a4cb47ac1ca38c77d35b281ffc},
doi = {10.1063/1.5138039},
issn = {0094243X},
year = {2019},
date = {2019-01-01},
journal = {AIP Conference Proceedings},
volume = {2186},
publisher = {American Institute of Physics Inc.},
abstract = {Polar regions are extremely sensitive to pollution such as harmful gases, particles or toxic substances which affect the Arctic climate and ecosystems. Spitsbergen, as well as all Arctic region, because of its geographically distant location and lack of industry sector, should be free of chemical pollution. Despite this, many pollutants could be found in the Polar environment, for example in freshwaters. Their occurrence is related with the global distillation process (Grasshopper effect) in which the contaminants from lower latitudes are transferred to the higher latitudes, resulting in the pollution of Arctic area. The purpose of the research was to determine the selected parameters: TOC (Total Organic Carbon) and formaldehyde, phenols in samples of freshwaterwater (surface water) collected in the area surrounding the capital of Spitsbergen (Longyearbyen). The aim was to investigate the pollution of Arctic freshwater. The obtained results of detected compounds may confirm the role of transport of contaminants over large distances in pollution of Polar regions. © 2019 Author(s).},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {proceedings}
}
Polar regions are extremely sensitive to pollution such as harmful gases, particles or toxic substances which affect the Arctic climate and ecosystems. Spitsbergen, as well as all Arctic region, because of its geographically distant location and lack of industry sector, should be free of chemical pollution. Despite this, many pollutants could be found in the Polar environment, for example in freshwaters. Their occurrence is related with the global distillation process (Grasshopper effect) in which the contaminants from lower latitudes are transferred to the higher latitudes, resulting in the pollution of Arctic area. The purpose of the research was to determine the selected parameters: TOC (Total Organic Carbon) and formaldehyde, phenols in samples of freshwaterwater (surface water) collected in the area surrounding the capital of Spitsbergen (Longyearbyen). The aim was to investigate the pollution of Arctic freshwater. The obtained results of detected compounds may confirm the role of transport of contaminants over large distances in pollution of Polar regions. © 2019 Author(s).
2015
Petlicki, M.; Ciepły, M.; Jania, J. A.; Strzelewicz, A.; Kinnard, C.
Calving of a tidewater glacier driven by melting at the waterline Journal Article
In: Journal of Glaciology, vol. 61, no. 229, pp. 851-863, 2015, ISSN: 00221430, (31).
@article{2-s2.0-84948750866,
title = {Calving of a tidewater glacier driven by melting at the waterline},
author = { M. Petlicki and M. Ciepły and J.A. Jania and A. Strzelewicz and C. Kinnard},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84948750866&doi=10.3189%2f2015JoG15J062&partnerID=40&md5=3936f171dfb75c3fd10dc2d79a45e444},
doi = {10.3189/2015JoG15J062},
issn = {00221430},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-01-01},
journal = {Journal of Glaciology},
volume = {61},
number = {229},
pages = {851-863},
publisher = {International Glaciology Society},
abstract = {We present a study of the development of a thermo-erosional notch at the waterline and its influence on calving of Hansbreen, a medium-sized grounded tidewater glacier in southern Svalbard. The study is based on the results of undercut notch melt modelling, based on measurements of sea-water properties, repeated terrestrial laser scans and analysis of time-lapse camera images. There is a strong correlation between observed calving activity and modelled melt rate of the undercut notch. Measured depths of the undercut reach 4m and vary greatly over time. The calving activity of Hansbreen was significantly lower in 2011 than in 2012, due to the persistent presence of the ice pack in Hornsund fjord, which cooled the sea surface and suppressed the wave action. Calving on Hansbreen is controlled by a local imbalance of forces at the front, due to thermo-erosional undercutting at the sea waterline. Calving activity is therefore sensitive to changes in sea-water temperature and wave height. It may be expected that calving rates will rise with increased advection of warm oceanic water to the Arctic.},
note = {31},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
We present a study of the development of a thermo-erosional notch at the waterline and its influence on calving of Hansbreen, a medium-sized grounded tidewater glacier in southern Svalbard. The study is based on the results of undercut notch melt modelling, based on measurements of sea-water properties, repeated terrestrial laser scans and analysis of time-lapse camera images. There is a strong correlation between observed calving activity and modelled melt rate of the undercut notch. Measured depths of the undercut reach 4m and vary greatly over time. The calving activity of Hansbreen was significantly lower in 2011 than in 2012, due to the persistent presence of the ice pack in Hornsund fjord, which cooled the sea surface and suppressed the wave action. Calving on Hansbreen is controlled by a local imbalance of forces at the front, due to thermo-erosional undercutting at the sea waterline. Calving activity is therefore sensitive to changes in sea-water temperature and wave height. It may be expected that calving rates will rise with increased advection of warm oceanic water to the Arctic.
2014
Ignatiuk, D.; Piechota, A. M.; Ciepły, M.; Luks, B.
Changes of altitudinal zones of Werenskioldbreen and Hansbreen in period 1990 - 2008, Svalbard Proceedings
American Institute of Physics Inc., vol. 1618, 2014, ISSN: 0094243X, (12).
@proceedings{2-s2.0-84942904588,
title = {Changes of altitudinal zones of Werenskioldbreen and Hansbreen in period 1990 - 2008, Svalbard},
author = { D. Ignatiuk and A.M. Piechota and M. Ciepły and B. Luks},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84942904588&doi=10.1063%2f1.4897727&partnerID=40&md5=b51d5cff2d200c1acd69ddeec01e8fc8},
doi = {10.1063/1.4897727},
issn = {0094243X},
year = {2014},
date = {2014-01-01},
journal = {AIP Conference Proceedings},
volume = {1618},
pages = {275-280},
publisher = {American Institute of Physics Inc.},
abstract = {Environment of the Atlantic sector of the Arctic, where Svalbard ice masses lie, is highly vulnerable to climate changes. Mass balance of a few selected glaciers are well known from field measurements, however it's also important to calculate changes in glacier volume from archived data and remote sensing methods for the glaciers with no direct measurements. Rapid changes in topography of glaciers cause the need to eliminate uncertainties and re-analyse mass balance calculations. In this study, based on digital elevation models from photogrammetric photos and satellite images (SPOT 5), we estimate changes in elevation and volume of Werenskioldbreen and Hansbreen in 1990 - 2008 period. © 2014 AIP Publishing LLC.},
note = {12},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {proceedings}
}
Environment of the Atlantic sector of the Arctic, where Svalbard ice masses lie, is highly vulnerable to climate changes. Mass balance of a few selected glaciers are well known from field measurements, however it's also important to calculate changes in glacier volume from archived data and remote sensing methods for the glaciers with no direct measurements. Rapid changes in topography of glaciers cause the need to eliminate uncertainties and re-analyse mass balance calculations. In this study, based on digital elevation models from photogrammetric photos and satellite images (SPOT 5), we estimate changes in elevation and volume of Werenskioldbreen and Hansbreen in 1990 - 2008 period. © 2014 AIP Publishing LLC.