Abstract
Volume–area scaling provides a practical alternative to ice-flow modelling to account for
glacier size changes when modelling the future evolution of glaciers; however, uncertainties remain as
to the validity of this approach under non-steady conditions. We address these uncertainties by deriving
scaling exponents in the volume–area relationship from one-dimensional ice-flow modelling. We
generate a set of 37 synthetic steady-state glaciers of different sizes, and then model their volume
evolution due to climate warming and cooling as prescribed by negative and positive mass-balance
perturbations, respectively, on a century timescale. The scaling exponent derived for the steady-state
glaciers ( ¼ 1.56) differs from the exponents derived for the glaciers in transient (non-steady) state by
up to 86%. Nevertheless, volume projections employing volume–area scaling are relatively insensitive
to these differences in scaling exponents. Volume–area scaling agrees well with the results from ice-flow
modelling. In addition, the scaling method is able to simulate the approach of a glacier to a new steady
state, if mass-balance elevation feedback is approximated by removing or adding elevation bands at the
lowest part of the glacier as the glacier retreats or advances. If area changes are approximated in the
mass-balance computations in this way, our results indicate that volume–area scaling is a powerful tool
for glacier volume projections on multi-century timescales.
Original language | Undefined/Unknown |
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Pages (from-to) | 234-240 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Annals of Glaciology |
Volume | 46 |
Publication status | Published - 2007 |