%0 Journal Article
%T Density assumptions for converting geodetic glacier volume change to mass change
%A M. Huss
%J The Cryosphere Discussions
%D 2013
%I Copernicus Publications
%R 10.5194/tcd-7-219-2013
%X The geodetic method is widely used for assessing changes in the mass balance of mountain glaciers. However, comparison of repeated digital elevation models only provides a glacier volume change that must be converted to a change in mass using a density assumption. This study investigates this conversion factor based on a firn compaction model applied to simplified glacier geometries with idealized climate forcing, and two glaciers with long-term mass balance series. It is shown that the "density" of geodetic volume change is not a constant factor and is systematically smaller than ice density in most cases. This is explained by the accretion/removal of low-density firn layers, and changes in the firn density profile with positive/negative mass balance. Assuming a value of 850 ¡À 60 kg m 3 to convert volume change to mass change is appropriate for a wide range of conditions. For short time intervals (¡Ü3 yr), periods with limited volume change, and/or changing mass balance gradients, the conversion factor can however vary from 0¨C2000 kg m 3 and beyond which requires caution when interpreting glacier mass changes based on geodetic surveys.
%U http://www.the-cryosphere-discuss.net/7/219/2013/tcd-7-219-2013.pdf