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Contribution of glacier runoff to freshwater discharge into the Gulf of Alaska

January 1, 2010

 Watersheds along the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) are undergoing climate warming, glacier volume loss, and shifts in the timing and volume of freshwater delivered to the eastern North Pacific Ocean. We estimate recent mean annual freshwater discharge to the GOA at 870 km3 yr−1. Small distributed coastal drainages contribute 78% of the freshwater discharge with the remainder delivered by larger rivers penetrating coastal ranges. Discharge from glaciers and icefields accounts for 47% of total freshwater discharge, with 10% coming from glacier volume loss associated with rapid thinning and retreat of glaciers along the GOA. Our results indicate the region of the GOA from Prince William Sound to the east, where glacier runoff contributes 371 km3 yr−1, is vulnerable to future changes in freshwater discharge as a result of glacier thinning and recession. Changes in timing and magnitude of freshwater delivery to the GOA could impact coastal circulation as well as biogeochemical fluxes to near-shore marine ecosystems and the eastern North Pacific Ocean.

Publication Year 2010
Title Contribution of glacier runoff to freshwater discharge into the Gulf of Alaska
DOI 10.1029/2010GL042385
Authors Edward G. Neal, Eran Hood, K. Smikrud
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Geophysical Research Letters
Index ID 70037469
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Alaska Science Center Water
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