A reconstruction of Jostedalsbreen during the Little Ice Age and geometric changes to outlet glaciers since then

Mountain glaciers and ice caps are undergoing rapid mass loss but rates of present-day changes models future projections both lack long-term (centennial-scale) context. Here, we reconstruct the maximum glacier extent surface Jostedalsbreen, which is largest in mainland Europe, during Little Ice Age (LIA) ∼ 1740 to 1860. The LIA ice-covered area was 568 km2 volume between 61 km3 91 km3. We show that major outlet have lost at least 110 or 19% their 14 18% until 2006. proportional for individual associated with falls consequent disconnection tributaries. Glacier-specific hypsometry suggest a mean rise ELA 135 m there wide inter-glacier variability. A median date 1755 suggests rate has been 0.05 w.e. a−1. That virtually same as modern rates, contrasts findings other studies around world reporting acceleration since LIA. Overall, highlight utility geomorphological-based reconstructions understanding quantifying responses climate hence meltwater production proglacial landscape evolution.