Accelerated glacier changes on the James Ross Archipelago, Antarctica, from 2010 to 2023

Accelerated glacier mass loss across the Antarctic Peninsula has consequences for sea level rise and local ecology. However, there are few direct glaciological observations available from this region. Here, we reveal glacier changes on the James Ross Archipelago between 2010 and 2023. The median rate of glacier area loss (remote-sensing derived) increased over the study period, with the most significant changes observed in smaller glaciers. In situ measurements show that ablation has prevailed since 2019/20 with the most negative point surface mass balance change measured as −1.39 ± 0.12 m water equivalent at Davies Dome and Lookalike Glacier in 2022/23 (200–300 m a.s.l.). We identified a tripling of the frontal velocity of Kotick Glacier in 2015, which, combined with terminus surface elevation gains (bulging), suggests that this is the first surge-type glacier identified in Antarctica from velocity and surface elevation change observations. We contend that the glacier recession rate has increased due to increased air temperatures (0.24 ± 0.08°C yr−1, 2010–23), decreased albedo and glacier elevation change feedbacks. These processes could decrease glacier longevity on the archipelago. Future research should prioritise monitoring albedo and rising equilibrium-line altitudes and identify glaciers most vulnerable to rapid future mass loss.