Measurements and models of the mass balance of Hintereisferner

This paper summarizes the methods applied to determine the mass balance of Hintereisferner and several other glaciers in the Tyrolean Alps since 1952. On an annual basis the direct glaciological method was applied with fixed date measurements on 10-15 accumulation pits and 30-90 ablation stakes on 9 km(2). Indirect mass balance determination from equilibrium line altitude, accumul ation area ratios or representative stakes, yield fair results and some exc eptions could be related to anomalous meteorological conditions. Monthly or more frequent stake readings supplied time series of ablation at various altitudes and slope aspects that served as basis for the calibrati on of energy and mass balance models. Of various models developed, two are presented in this paper, Both are based on degree days, one using daily val ues from a valley station to predict the mean annual balance of the entire glacier, while the other calculates day-to-day changes at 50-m grid points on the glacier. The geodetic method has been applied for longer periods and yields results consistent with those of the glaciological method. The balance velocity cal culated from recent ice thickness sound inns and accumulation measurements is significantly less than observed velocity.