Ilulissat Icefjord Upper-Layer Circulation Patterns Revealed through GPS-Tracked Icebergs

GPS-tracked icebergs in Ilulissat Icefjord reveal that upper-layer circulation patterns (0–250 m depth) are directly influenced by tributary meltwater flux, with deviations in iceberg trajectories coinciding in both location and timing. The study also demonstrates that the speed of this circulation varies with glacier behavior, including changes in glacier velocity and meltwater runoff. Researchers deployed 13 GPS units on icebergs to track their movement, providing unprecedented insights into the dynamic interactions between glacial meltwater and ocean currents in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Baratta, S. J., Schild, K. M., & Sutherland, D. A. (2023). Ilulissat Icefjord Upper-Layer Circulation Patterns Revealed through GPS-Tracked Icebergs. https://doi.org/10.22541/essoar.170158349.95482362/v1