NORSAR’s extensive network of infrasound and seismic stations has proven to provide novel observations of weather and climate related phenomena both in the atmosphere and the cryosphere, such as in glaciers. Seasonal and long-term temperature variations influence the dynamics of glaciers and large ice-sheets like those found on Greenland, Svalbard and Antarctica. Glacial movements and calving generate both seismic signals propagating underground and acoustic signals in the air which are observable by highly sensitive permanent and mobile instrumentation.
NORSAR's seismic stations can be used as an additional tool to permanently monitor glaciers and ice sheets, when satellite based methods have coverage problems due to non-stationary satellite positions, weather conditions or polar nights.