4D high resolution monitoring of glacier evolution, Virkisjökull, Iceland

Virkisjökull is an outlet glacier draining the western flanks of Oraefajökull, the southern extremity of the Vatnajökull ice cap in south-east Iceland.

The glacier is sensitive to climatic forcing due to a relatively low accumulation–ablation area ratio and significant altitudinal difference between summit and margin.

The long-term BGS monitoring project at Virkisjökull aims to quantify glacial and geomorphological changes, and link these to variations in local climate.

Below you will find a Google earth flythrough showing the project area around Virkisjökull. More information on the project along with pictures and videos are available through the projects website.