Surface Velocity Changes on the Taku Glacier System: 1993 to 2007

Abstract

Surface velocities on the Juneau Icefield, Alaska have been measured every summer since 1993 with survey-grade, real-time differential GPS by the Juneau Icefield Research Program. From 1993 through 2006, surface velocities at transverse profiles throughout the Taku Glacier system remained steady. During the summer of 2007, eight of these profiles were re-surveyed. For the first time since JIRP began monitoring these profiles, significant velocity changes were observed. The velocity at four profiles increased, three profiles showed no significant change, and the velocity at one profile decreased. The increased velocities may ultimately contribute to further advancement of the Taku Glacier.