The effect of continentality on glacier response and mass balance

The continentality index is a good measure of the nature of the climate in a region, as it reflects not only the temperature but also the large-scale circulation. It correlates well with glacier mass-balance parameters. The climate along the west–east transect slightly north of the Arctic Circle across the Scandinavian Caledonides is governed by the prevailing westerlies; however, during winter the eastern part of the Caledonides is influenced by weather systems from the southeast. The differences in continentality meant by temperature and precipitation have a major impact on the response times of glaciers. The climatic change in this area has been dominated by increased summer mean temperatures (1910–20) and increased maritime influence since the 1980s. The slower-reacting glaciers on the Swedish side of the mountains are still adapting to the temperature increase at the beginning of the 20th century, and the increase in maritime influence gradually becomes less important towards the west. Thus, differences in the behaviour of glacier fronts along the west–east transect mirror differences in continentality.