Cryo GL, Brun et al. 2019

Two decades of glacier mass loss along the Andes

What is the overall mass change of Andean glaciers (2000–2018)?

−22.9 ± 5.9 Gt yr⁻¹

Which regions show the strongest mass loss in the Andes?

Patagonian Andes (especially South Patagonia); weaker in Dry Andes

What is the spatial pattern of thinning across the Andes?

Region-wide thinning, weakest between ~26°S and 37°S

What is the most negative regional mass balance?

South Patagonia: −0.86 ± 0.27 m w.e. yr⁻¹

How does elevation affect thinning rates?

Highest thinning occurs at lowest elevations

What does decadal variability show?

Some regions show increased loss after 2009, others remain stable

How does Andes estimate compare to previous studies?

More negative than radar geodetic estimates (−22.9 vs −18.4 Gt yr⁻¹)

What is frontal ablation?

Ice loss from calving and submarine melting at glacier fronts

How large is frontal ablation in the Andes?

14.7 ± 6.0 Gt yr⁻¹

How do SMB and geodetic methods differ?

SMB = surface processes; geodetic = total mass change

How well do SMB models perform?

Good for non-calving glaciers, underestimate calving losses

How does glacier loss affect river discharge?

Increases streamflow via glacier imbalance (temporary boost)

What was contribution in Santa River basin?

~5 m³ s⁻¹ (~4% of discharge per decade)

How does glacier loss affect drought?

Mitigated megadrought by ~3–8% of discharge since 2010

What is Andean contribution to sea level rise?

0.06 ± 0.02 mm yr⁻¹

Which Andes regions are relatively stable?

Some between ~26°S and 45°S showed stability or slight gains (2000–2009)