Changes in dynamics and runoff from the High Arctic glacial catchment of Waldemarbreen, Svalbard

• Changes in dynamics and runoff from glacial catchment were examined for 1997–2009.
• Glaciological investigations of Waldemarbreen (ablation, mass balance) were made.
• This study examines elements which play some role in dynamics of glacial catchment.
• These are also changes of glacier area, moraine-dammed lake or icings.

Since 1997, the runoff from the High Arctic catchment of Waldemarbreen has been recorded continuously at the gauging station located in northwest Spitsbergen, Svalbard. The analysis of the changes in dynamics and runoff from the glacial (polar) catchment of Waldemarbreen was made. One of the aims of this study was to try to determine how changes in the degree of the glaciation of the catchment influence the volume of the river discharge and runoff. This was found to be directly dependent on the percent glacier cover of the catchment and its changes. Changing the area and the volume of the glacier reduces the rate of the discharge, even when the intensity of melting does not change. Glaciological investigations of Waldemarbreen were taken between 1996 and 2009. The average ablation of Waldemarbreen varied from 64 to 137 cm w.e. during this time, while the average winter balance of this glacier was 50 cm w.e. During the summer season the mean discharge of the Waldemar River at the point which closed the glacier catchment in the years 1997–2009 was 1.0 m3 s− 1 (541 mm). The average proportion of ablation within the runoff was 55%, and ranged from 30 to 77% during individual seasons. This study also examines selected elements which play some role in the dynamics of the glacial catchment of Waldemarbreen, for example icings or a moraine-dammed lake. It is the first such analysis for this region of Svalbard.