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Seasonal variability in velocity and ablation of Te Moeka o Tuawe/Fox Glacier, south Westland, New Zealand
Author(s) -
Purdie Heather L.,
Brook Martin S.,
Fuller Ian C.,
Appleby John
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
new zealand geographer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.335
H-Index - 25
eISSN - 1745-7939
pISSN - 0028-8144
DOI - 10.1111/j.1745-7939.2008.00123.x
Subject(s) - glacier , glacier terminus , glacier mass balance , tidewater glacier cycle , accumulation zone , geology , seasonality , ablation , physical geography , ablation zone , climatology , geomorphology , geography , ice stream , ecology , ice calving , sea ice , pregnancy , cryosphere , lactation , aerospace engineering , biology , engineering , genetics
Seasonal variations in ablation and surface velocity were investigated on the lower Fox Glacier. Variations occur between summer and winter ablation, with surface velocity also showing marked seasonality. Recent advance has resulted in the glacier gaining around 200 m length since late 2004. Longer term, Fox Glacier appears linked to the Southern Oscillation Index, with positive glacier mass balances associated with negative Southern Oscillation Index (El Niño). An estimated glacier response time of approximately 9–14 years suggests the current terminus advance was linked to mass gains in the mid‐1990s. Recent collapses at the terminal face continue to prove a hazard at this busy tourist destination.