A reassessment of the role of atmospheric and oceanic forcing on ice dynamics at Jakobshavn Isbræ, Ilulissat Icefjord

Jakobshavn Isbræ (Sermeq Kujalleq) has been the largest single contributor to mass loss from the Greenland Ice Sheet over recent decades. Previous work has emphasised the dominant role of oceanic forcing on ice dynamics, with the short-lived (2016-2018) advance, deceleration and thickening of Jakobshavn attributed to decreased ocean temperatures within Disko Bay. Here, we use satellite imagery to extend observations of ice dynamics at Jakobshavn Isbræ between 2018 and 2023. We then employ hydrographic measurements, weather station data, and modelled estimates of surface runoff, to explore the role of climatic forcing on ice dynamics over this most recent five-year period. 

Between 2018 and 2022, Jakobshavn Isbræ accelerated significantly, with peak summer terminus velocity increasing by 79%, from 9.4 to 16.8 km/yr. Despite sustained surface lowering, peak solid ice discharge also increased, rising from 39.4 Gt/yr in 2018 to 54.7 Gt/yr in 2021. Whilst the initial onset of re-acceleration occurred in 2019, a dramatic speedup occurred between May and August 2020, with ice velocity increasing from 7.6 to 13.8 km/yr. In contrast to previous years, ice velocity remained high throughout the subsequent winter, thereby facilitating a peak velocity of 16.8 km/yr in July 2021.

Jakobshavn Isbræ exhibited a typical seasonal calving cycle of winter advance and summer retreat throughout 2018 and 2019. However, a clear switch in dynamics was observed in 2020, with the terminus undergoing minimal readvance over the winter months. This shift coincided with a clear reduction in the extent of rigid mélange within Ilulissat Icefjord, in contrast to preceding years. Although sparse, hydrographic measurements indicate that the mean water temperature within Disko Bay was ~ 0.75⁰C higher in 2020, relative to 2019.

We argue that the initial onset of reacceleration and thinning at Jakobshavn Isbræ was driven primarily by atmospheric forcing, with annual runoff in 2019 approximately double that observed in the other years. Furthermore, we emphasise that at glaciers close to floatation, such as Jakobshavn, surface thinning can significantly impact buoyant flexure, and hence rates of calving. However, we also provide evidence of oceanic forcing, postulating that increased water temperatures reduced the formation of rigid mélange in 2020, thereby facilitating sustained calving and elevated ice velocities throughout the winter months. Our study therefore highlights the critical importance of considering both atmospheric and oceanic forcing when investigating and predicting the future behaviour of ice dynamics at marine-terminating outlet glaciers.