METHODS

The present state of Jostedalsbreen will be determined by fieldwork using radar measurements to estimate snow and ice thicknesses, while the areal extent and surface elevation of Jostedalsbreen are determined from satellite images, drone measurements and field observations. This new data will allow us to create a map of the land topography below Jostedalsbreen. The data will be used in glacier models that show how the ice margin, ice volume and ice movement of Jostedalsbreen will change in the future depending on various climate scenarios. The models will also show how the runoff in glacial rivers may change in the future. Changes in glacier geometry and glacier surface characteristics are closely connected to the local climate. JOSTICE will use the generated knowledge of glacier changes to model how these may affect changes in local and regional temperature and precipitation patterns.

IMPACT

Future changes of Jostedalsbreen and associated influences on weather will undoubtedly impact regional communities and industry sectors such as hydropower production, tourism and farming. JOSTICE uses this new understanding of future changes together with a bottom-up approach with strong stakeholder involvement to identify perceived consequences of environmental changes. The results will provide the scientific basis for a thorough analysis of sustainable adaption strategies for hydropower production, the agricultural sector and the tourism industry.

   Jostedalsbreen is visited by several hundreds of thousands of guests every year. JOSTICE will generate a high-impact public outreach. During the project, an interactive exhibition display prototype will be developed for communicating the results of JOSTICE on the present and future of Jostedalsbreen. This will benefit a large number of people for the coming decades.