Mass balance and equilibrium-line altitudes of glaciers in high-mountain environments

The mass-balance characteristics of glaciers in high-mountain environments complicate the relationship between glacier equilibrium-line altitudes (ELAs) and climatic variables such as precipitation and air temperature. Therefore, methods of ELA reconstruction employed in low-relief environments are commonly not applicable in high mountains, or require some modification. We review the concept of the ELA, with reference to the mass balance of a range of glacier types found in high-mountain regions. We examine the applicability of several commonly used methods of ELA reconstruction for different glacier types, and propose some general principles to guide the choice of appropriate methods. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd and INQUA. All rights reserved.