Nature Communications: SVALBARD GLACIERS MUCH MORE VULNERABLE TO WARMING SINCE MID-1980S (co-author: Department of Polar and Marine research)
About 60% of Svalbard, the archipelago with Spitsbergen as its largest island, is covered by glaciers. These glaciers can handle yearly temperature fluctuations as long as they are covered by a layer of porous snow, also called firn, which buffers much of the meltwater. Using a high-resolution climate model, researchers have now shown that Svalbard’s firn line has retreated to a critical altitude in the mid-1980s.
Since then, most of Svalbard’s glaciers have lost their protective firn layer, which leaves the ice much more vulnerable to summer melt. The results are published today in Nature Communications.
Svalbard glaciers have a relatively flat surface, and are situated mostly less than 450 metres above sea level. The receding firn line reached that height in the mid-1980s, suddenly leaving much of Svalbard’s surface without its protective firn layer. “That started a period of steady mass loss,” says Brice Noël, first author of the publication. “However, we shouldn’t call it a tipping point yet. Between 2005 and 2012, Svalbard mass loss slowed down considerably, due to some colder summers with average melt. But we have seen steady mass loss again since 2013.” ->CLICK TO READ MORE
SEG Field Camp 2020
Geophysical imaging of dissolution phenomena in porous carbonate media (inactive Smerdyna quarry, Poland): field camp was organized in August (3rd – 10th). The aim of the project is to familiarize students and doctoral students with field measurements using geophysical methods.
SEG Field Camp was not just about hard work in the field, but alsoa great opportunity to improve soft and didactic skills. A series of related lectures for interested students on geophysical methods is planned in the future.
Why Poland, why the Institute?
What makes scientists from distant countries choose Poland and our Institute, what was their scientific path? Daniel J. Dunkley, Associate Professor, Department of Polar and Marine Research.
Management’s view
Professor Mariusz Majdański, Deputy Scientific Director on establishing a Program Team for IG PAS scientific strategy.