USING GLACIAL MASS BALANCE ON THE JUNEAU ICEFIELD AS AN INDICATOR FOR HYDROLOGIC FLUXES AND IMPLICATIONS FOR DOWNSTREAM ECOSYSTEMS

Ecosystems dependent on glacial meltwater are sensitive to fluctuating hydrological inputs, which result from climatic variability. Prediction of discharge fluxes into streams that drain from the Juneau Icefield has historically been hampered by a lack of understanding of the relationships between glacial mass balance and outflow characteristics. Traditionally, there has been poor communication between glaciologists, hydrologists, and ecologists, inhibiting interdisciplinary collaboration. Here, we explicitly examine the links between mass balance measurements and discharge hydrographs from the Lemon Creek and Taku glacier watersheds. Using an integrated mass balance approach, we elucidate the interactions between glacier dynamics and ecosystem hydrology. Connection of these disparate research areas will provide a much needed understanding of how glacial dynamics are fundamentally connected to downstream hydrology.