Relations between atmospheric circulation and mass balance of South Cascade Glacier, Washington, U.S.A.
- Geological Survey, Denver, CO (United States)
The yearly net mass balance of South Cascade Glacier, Washington, has decreased since the mid-1970s. Results show that the decrease in winter mass balance is caused, in part, by changes in winter mean atmospheric circulation that began during the mid-1970s. Approximately 60% of the variability in winter mass balance can be explained by variations in winter mean 700-mb heights over western Canada. Since the mid-1970s, there has been an increase in winter mean 700-mb heights over western Canada and the northern western contiguous United States and a decrease in winter mean 700-mb heights in the eastern North Pacific Ocean centered near the Aleutian Islands. These changes in atmospheric circulation indicate a decrease in the movement of storms and moisture from the Pacific Ocean into the western contiguous United States. In addition, the increase in winter mean 700-mb heights over western Canada and the northern western contiguous United States indicates an increase in subsidence, which results in a warming and drying of the air that further reduces precipitation and also increases the ratio of rain to snow during the cold season. These factors contribute to below-average winter mass balances. 43 refs., 13 figs.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- OSTI ID:
- 120939
- Journal Information:
- Arctic and Alpine Research, Vol. 27, Issue 3; Other Information: PBD: Aug 1995
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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