Ice dynamics and structural evolution of Jutulstraumen, Dronning Maud Land, East Antarctica (1963-2022)

Sharma, Anwesha; Stokes, Chris R.; Jamieson, Stewart S.R.

Abstract

Jutulstraumen is a major outlet glacier in East Antarctica that drains into the Fimbulisen, Dronning Maud Land. Here, we present the first long-term (∼60 years) record of its behaviour using optical satellite imagery. Our analysis reveals that the ice front has been steadily advancing since its last major calving event in 1967, with a steady ice flow velocity of ∼720 ± 66m yr-1 (2000-2021), accompanied by spatially variable thickening of the grounded ice at +0.14 ± 0.04 m yr-1 (2003-2020). We also find evidence to suggest a minor grounding line advance of ∼200 m between 1990 and 2022, albeit with large uncertainties. Mapping of the major rifts on Jutulstraumen's ice tongue (2003-2022) reveals an overall increase in their length, accompanied by some minor calving events along its lateral margins. Given the present-day ice front advance rates (∼740 m yr-1), the ice tongue would reach its most recent maximum extent (attained in the mid-1960s), in around 40 years, but extrapolation of rift lengthening suggests that a major calving event may occur sooner, possibly in the late 2050s. Overall, there is no evidence of any dynamic imbalance, mirroring other major glaciers in Dronning Maud Land.

Citation

Sharma, A., Stokes, C. R., & Jamieson, S. S. (2025). Ice dynamics and structural evolution of Jutulstraumen, Dronning Maud Land, East Antarctica (1963-2022). Journal of Glaciology, 71, Article e65. https://doi.org/10.1017/jog.2025.29

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 25, 2025
• Online Publication Date: Apr 7, 2025
• Publication Date: 2025
• Deposit Date: Apr 28, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: May 8, 2025
• Journal: Journal of Glaciology
• Print ISSN: 0022-1430
• Electronic ISSN: 1727-5652
• Publisher: International Glaciological Society
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 71
• Article Number: e65
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/jog.2025.29
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/3796069