The Cryosphere
The Cryosphere
TC
Articles | Volume 20, issue 7
Articles | Volume 20, issue 7
https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-20-3827-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-20-3827-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Articles | Volume 20, issue 7
Research article
 | Highlight paper
 | 
13 Jul 2026
Research article | Highlight paper |  | 13 Jul 2026

Contrasting dynamics of lake- and marine-terminating glaciers under same climatic conditions

Florian Vacek, Faezeh M. Nick, Douglas Benn, Maarten P. A. Zwarts, Walter Immerzeel, and Roderik S. W. van de Wal

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Latest update: 13 Jul 2026
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Editorial statement
This study offers a rare natural experiment by comparing two adjacent glaciers South Greenland with shared upstream conditions but differing terminus environments: one terminating in a lake and the other in the ocean. The clear contrast in their dynamic behaviours, despite similar climate and input conditions, provides valuable insight into the role of terminus type in regulating glacier response. This has broader implications for predicting glacier change and sea-level contributions in a warming climate.
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Short summary
We studied a unique glacier in South Greenland that ends in both a lake and the ocean. Using satellite data and field work, we found that the two glacier fronts behave very differently even under the same climate. At the lake glacier we identify a floating ice tongue and we infer little melt below water. The lake glacier experienced a sudden large breakup. Our work suggests that lake and marine glacier fronts must be treated differently in model simulations.
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