Climate-induced rhythmic oscillations in a stable glacier: Patagonia Perito Moreno Glacier

DEPETRIS, P.J., PASQUINI, A. I

Puerto Madryn

Congreso; XIV Reunión Argentina de Sedimentología; 2014

Asociación Argentina de Sedimentología

In this contribution we devised a conceptual model that explains the rhythmic damming and terminus collapses that occur -apparently with increased frequency in recent decades- in Moreno Glacier. We demonstrated that the glacier high-frequency ice-blocking is driven by the interaction of El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Antarctic Oscillation (AAO) both of which may be coupled or decoupled, with the AAO reinforcing or lessening the effect of ENSO over the southern Pacific region. The sporadic occurrence of La Niña (reinforced by a weak or positive AAO) or the absence of an El Niño event may delay or preclude damming events.