Natural and societal consequences of climate-forced changes of Jostedalsbreen Ice Cap
This weekend there will be lot of activities at Austerdalsbreen, as numerous scientists are working together to explore the secrets of this scenic outlet glacier from Jostedalsbreen Ice Cap.
The research objectives include among other things detailed mapping of the glacier surface using dGPS and drones, ice-penetrating radar measurements to reveal the ice thickness and volume of Austerdalsbreen, and albedo measurements to assess differential ablation rates associated with ogives (the alternating light and dark bands across the glacier surface).
The icefalls Odinsbreen and Thorsbreen at Austerdalsbreen (photo: Jacob Yde).
The JOSTICE 2021 exploratory workshop on Austerdalsbreen
by Jacob Yde, September 3, 2021
The JOSTICE 2021 exploratory workshop on Austerdalsbreen follows in the footsteps of the legendary Cambridge University expeditions to Austerdalsbreen in the 1950's. The workshop is held between September 2 and September 6, 2021 at Tungestølen. During an intensive long weekend, twenty-one researchers are gathered to conduct multidisplinary investigations on Austerdalsbreen.
The exploratory workshop includes scientists from all JOSTICE work packages in an effort to maximize knowledge transfer and collaboration within and beyond the JOSTICE project. In addition, the three scientists John Paul Balmonte (University of Southern Denmark), Katarzyna Kołtonik (Polish Academy of Sciences) and Krzysztof Zawierucha (Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan) have been invited to eluciate the biological and biogeochemical consequences of glacier thinning and recession at Austerdalsbreen. While the fieldwork at Austerdalsbreen undoubtedly will provide new knowledge about the past, present and future effects of climate change on this glacier, the purpose behind the workshop is also to develop innovative ideas for future research that requires skills from multiple disciplines.