Results from glacier measurements in 2020
The Norwegian Glacier Museum & Ulltveit-Moe Center for Climate Science in Fjærland annually measures front changes on some local glaciers.
As part of a network with other glacier enthusiasts, we help NVE (Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate) monitor several glaciers. Front changes are measured on 30 to 40 glaciers around the country.
The glaciers for which the Norwegian Glacier Museum is responsible are Vetle Supphellebreen in Fjærland and Haugabreen in Jølster. The front of Vetle Supphellebreen decreased by 6 meters compared to the previous year and has melted a total of 30 meters since 2011. At Haugabreen, the front retreated 8 meters, which means a melting of 84 meters since 2013.
Haugabreen glacier in 2015 and 2020. The images show how more mountains are emerging around the glacier, especially the area marked with red circles in each image. In addition, a small lake is emerging in front of the glacier.
In the fall of 2020, NVE reported that there was a positive mass balance on several glaciers. The term mass balance says something about how much snow the glacier receives each year, versus how much ice and snow melts away. This can be compared to an account, where you have income and expenses. The year 2020 was therefore a good year for the glaciers' accounts. This means that a lot of snow fell during the accumulation season, which usually lasts from November to April. The temperatures during the melting season, which typically lasts from May to October, in 2020 were unable to sufficiently consume the snow and ice on many of the glaciers to create a deficit.
If we look at the changes in glaciers over time, the retreat of the fronts shows that there is not enough snow to cover the deficit. This is the long-term trend for Norwegian glaciers in the 21st century.
The development of the front position of five selected glacier arms from Jostedalsbreen in the period 1899 - 2020. Nigardsbreen in Jostedalen, for example, has retreated almost 3 kilometers in about 120 years.