Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-2947
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-2947
14 Aug 2025
 | 14 Aug 2025
Status: this preprint is open for discussion and under review for The Cryosphere (TC).

Explicit representation of liquid water retention over bare ice using the SURFEX/ISBA-Crocus model: implications for mass balance at Mera glacier (Nepal)

Audrey Goutard, Marion Réveillet, Fanny Brun, Delphine Six, Kevin Fourteau, Charles Amory, Xavier Fettweis, Mathieu Fructus, Arbindra Khadka, and Matthieu Lafaysse

Abstract. In a warming climate, glaciers will experience increased liquid precipitation and melt, making it crucial to better understand and model the associated surface processes. This study presents a modeling approach developed to investigate the dynamic interaction between surface liquid water and bare ice using the SURFEX/ISBA-Crocus model. The implementation of the temporary retention of liquid water from rain or melt at the ice surface is described. The water is drained or can refreeze depending on meteorological conditions, directly affecting the albedo, thermal profile and glacier mass balance. This new development, tested to Mera Glacier (Nepal) shows an impact up to 6 % on the annual mass balance with contrasted effects depending on the meteorological conditions. During the pre-monsoon season, this implementation leads to greater mass loss (up to 20 %) due to surface liquid water, which enhances warming rather than compensating through refreezing. During the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, it leads to less negative mass balance as a result of increased refreezing. Sensitivity analyses identified drainage and albedo as key model parameters. A 10 % change in stored liquid water drainage results in a 10 % change in annual mass balance. The albedo of bare ice and liquid water over ice represent the primary contributors to mass balance loss and the greatest uncertainties, making them priority targets for further investigation and improved characterization. This physically-based model development is essential for future climate projections worldwide, particularly given increasing melt, rainfall, and bare ice exposure under climate change.

Competing interests: At least one of the (co-)authors is a member of the editorial board of The Cryosphere.

Publisher's note: Copernicus Publications remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims made in the text, published maps, institutional affiliations, or any other geographical representation in this paper. While Copernicus Publications makes every effort to include appropriate place names, the final responsibility lies with the authors. Views expressed in the text are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher.
Share
Audrey Goutard, Marion Réveillet, Fanny Brun, Delphine Six, Kevin Fourteau, Charles Amory, Xavier Fettweis, Mathieu Fructus, Arbindra Khadka, and Matthieu Lafaysse

Status: open (until 09 Oct 2025)

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-2947', Manuel Tobias Blau, 01 Sep 2025 reply
Audrey Goutard, Marion Réveillet, Fanny Brun, Delphine Six, Kevin Fourteau, Charles Amory, Xavier Fettweis, Mathieu Fructus, Arbindra Khadka, and Matthieu Lafaysse
Audrey Goutard, Marion Réveillet, Fanny Brun, Delphine Six, Kevin Fourteau, Charles Amory, Xavier Fettweis, Mathieu Fructus, Arbindra Khadka, and Matthieu Lafaysse

Viewed

Total article views: 698 (including HTML, PDF, and XML)
HTML PDF XML Total BibTeX EndNote
657 33 8 698 33 30
  • HTML: 657
  • PDF: 33
  • XML: 8
  • Total: 698
  • BibTeX: 33
  • EndNote: 30
Views and downloads (calculated since 14 Aug 2025)
Cumulative views and downloads (calculated since 14 Aug 2025)

Viewed (geographical distribution)

Total article views: 693 (including HTML, PDF, and XML) Thereof 693 with geography defined and 0 with unknown origin.
Country # Views %
  • 1
1
 
 
 
 
Latest update: 05 Sep 2025
Download
Short summary
A new scheme has been developed in the SURFEX/ISBA-Crocus model, to consider the impact of liquid water dynamics on bare ice, including albedo feedback and refreezing. When applied to the Mera Glacier in Nepal, the model reveals strong seasonal effects on the energy and mass balance, with increased melting in dry seasons and significant refreezing during the monsoon. This development improves mass balance modeling under increasing rainfall and bare ice exposure due to climate warming.
Share