Simple analytical models of glacier-climate interactions - by Prof. J ...

In this case the glacier length increases rapidly when the equilibrium line sinks below
1850 m. A clear maximum of dL/dE exists when the glacier starts to form the snout.
When the equilibrium line sinks still further, in the end dL/dE will approach the value of
the original model glacier of uniform width. When the lower part of the glacier is wider
than the upper part the opposite is seen. The sensitivity is at a minimum when the budget
of the upper basin is just positive.
In conclusion we can state that glaciers with a narrow tongue are the ones that are most
sensitive to climate change, especially when the glacier front is just below the upper
basin.
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