MONITORING CLIMATE CHANGE AND GLACIER DYNAMICS IN SOUTHEAST ALASKA: THE JUNEAU ICEFIELD RESEARCH PROGRAM (JIRP)

The temperate character of the Juneau Icefield of Southeast Alaska is a prime location for investigating the impact of climate. Primary research deals with mass balance data collection building on decades of field work and precision GPS mapping of outlet glacier surface flow and icefield elevation changes. Equal attention is given to undergraduate education and expeditionary training.

Since 1948, 11 of the 17 major outlet glaciers have retreated more than 1000 m and 5 have retreated more than 500 m. All glaciers have thinned appreciably, except the Taku, where slowing advance is yielding to stability. The annual ELA on the Taku has risen 60 m in the past 25 years and average mass balance has declined from +0.40 to +0.00 m/a, which coincides with a cessation of the long-term thickening.

The academic focus involves a spectrum of topics related to glacier dynamics and hydrology, nunatak bedrock and ecosystems, mountain range tectonics, real-time icefield weather, and long-term climate change. JIRP pursues new geophysical research to better understand post-Pleistocene history, glacier dynamics, rates of glacier change, and the impact of climate change. The strategy is simple – build on existing research while engaging a dynamic educational field experience.

As described on the JIRP Facebook and web sites (jundeauicefield.com and crevassezone.org), the program engages two dozen undergraduates and graduates, with an equal number of faculty in eight weeks of science and gusto.