Oceanic Boundary Conditions for Jakobshavn Glacier. Part I: Variability and Renewal of Ilulissat Icefjord Waters, 2001–14

Jakobshavn Glacier's retreat in Ilulissat Icefjord, Greenland, is linked to the variability of fjord waters. A 13-year study (2001–2014) found that while summer basin temperatures averaged 2.8°C from 2009 to 2013, excluding a cooler anomaly in 2010, potential densities remained consistent (27.20 ≤ σθ ≤ 27.31 kg m⁻³), matching Disko Bay waters since at least 1980. The 2010 temperature dip was advected from Disko Bay, indicating annual or faster renewal of fjord basin waters. Velocity profiles suggested a renewal timescale of about one month, with subglacial discharge driving circulation, while external baroclinic forcing was ineffective due to the mouth sill. This suggests that oceanic conditions play a critical role in glacier dynamics.

Gladish, C. V., Holland, D. M., Rosing-Asvid, A., Behrens, J. W., & Boje, J. (2015). Oceanic Boundary Conditions for Jakobshavn Glacier. Part I: Variability and Renewal of Ilulissat Icefjord Waters, 2001–14. Journal of Physical Oceanography, 45(1), 3–32. https://doi.org/10.1175/jpo-d-14-0044.1