The Cryosphere 6, 467–478 (2012)

Satellite observations can reveal changes in glaciers, and repeat observations allow investigation into glacier dynamics worldwide. Studies can encompass a large number of glaciers, both in one region and across regions, to gain a better understanding of the changes taking place.

In a study by Torborg Heid and Andreas Kääb, of the University of Oslo, repeat satellite observations were used to study glacier speed in six glaciated regions — five in the Northern Hemisphere and one in Patagonia in the Southern Hemisphere.

Five of the studied regions had decreasing glacier mass. All regions with decreasing ice showed that glacier speed also decreased — up to 43% in Pamir, Asia. Less ice was transported down the glaciers, as there was decreasing mass accumulating at the top of the glacier. The decreased transport resulted in thinning and receding ice. Opposed to this are glaciers in the Karakoram region in Asia, which have generally increased speed. This increased speed was not representative of the entire region, as it has many surging and unstable flow glaciers. The study of a large number of glaciers across regions provides insights into differing glacier response to climate change.