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Victoria University Antarctic Research Expedition Science and Logistics Reports 2001-02: VUWAE 46

Mass Balance Measurements

page 2

Mass Balance Measurements

Fig.1 GPS base station

Fig.1 GPS base station

Mass balance measurements provide valuable information on glaciological characteristics that are important for the interpretation of the ice core record. A GPS base station (Fig.1) was installed (S 77° 20′ 38.109″, E 162° 35′ 37.592″) to revisit and measure mass balance devices (coffee can device) at Victoria Lower Glacier (Fig.2). Coffee can devices are used to measure the horizontal and vertical displacement of anchors placed at shallow depths (10′s of meters) in the glacier. While the horizontal flow indicates how 'active' the glacier is (how many cm/year the ice travels from its accumulation centre), the vertical change is the result of compaction and the mass balance of the glacier. The measurements can be used to calculate the net accumulation (or ablation) of the glacier in t/y. Three such mass balance devices have been installed at Victoria Lower Glacier during season 1999/2000 and 2000/2001.

Fig.2 Coffee Can Device

Fig.2 Coffee Can Device