Alternate Definitions for Glaciological method

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Term: Glaciological method
Definition: A method of determining mass balance in-situ on the glacier surface by measurements of accumulation and ablation, generally including measurements at stakes and in snow pits; direct method has long been a synonym. The measurements may also rely on depth probing and density sampling of the snow and firn, and coring. They are made at single points, the results from a number of points being extrapolated and integrated to yield the surface mass balance over a larger area such as an elevation band or the entire glacier. The internal mass balance and basal mass balance, and ice discharge if any, are treated separately.
Created 2022.03.08
Last Modified 2023.03.27
Contributed by GCW Glossary
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