Study of the Characteristics of the Supraglacial Runoff of the Austre Grønfjordbreen, Spitsbergen

Abstract

This article considers the characteristics of two systems of the supraglacial runoff of the polar glacier: a hydro-network of streams and a porous layer of melting crust. Field methods have revealed fundamental differences between these systems in the drainage area and the features of the meltwater movement and runoff regime. Calculation of the supraglacial runoff has shown its maximum level in the hydro-network during the peak of snowmelt in July, while the runoff in the melting crust becomes predominant in the second half of summer (in August).