THE MASS-BALANCE OF A CIRQUE GLACIER IN THE ITALIAN ALPS (GHIACCIAIO-DELLA-SFORZELLINA, ORTLES-CEVEDALE GROUP)

The net mass balance (1986/87-1989/90) was calculated for a small cirq ue glacier in the Italian Alps (Ghiacciaio della Sforzellina, 0.42 km2 , Ortles-Cevedale Group). Four annual mass balances are presented here . All four balances were negative (mean value: -0.90 m year-1), with a maximum deficit of -1.16 m year-1 in 1989-90. The climatic conditions (which are analyzed using data from the S. Caterina Valfurva Station) consisted of a succession of cold, dry winters with little snowfall. Frontal-variation data available since 1923 show a constant retreat un til 1966, followed by a brief advance period which has already termina ted.