Glacier Variations in the Southern Patagonia Icefield and their Relation with Climate

. Glacier variations during the past 50 years have been determined for the major 48 outlet glaciers of the Southern Patagonia Icefield, southern South America. Most glaciers exhibit a clear retreat, a few are in near-equilibrium and one has been advancing. These variations are analyzed in relation to air temperature and precipitation records of stations around the icefield. The main conclusion is that the generalized glacier retreat is a direct response to regional warming and also to a decrease in precipitation observed this centur