Alternate Definitions for Equilibrium-line altitude ELA

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Term: Equilibrium-line altitude ELA
Definition: The spatially averaged altitude of the equilibrium line. The ELA may be determined by direct visual observation, but is generally determined, in the context of mass-balance measurements, by fitting a curve to data representing surface mass balance as a function of altitude (see mass-balance profile). This is often an idealization, because the equilibrium line tends to span a range of altitudes. Many approximations of the ELA have been suggested; the glaciation level and the mid-range altitude are examples. The ELA is understood to be the Annual ELA unless it is qualified as the transient ELA.
Created 2022.03.08
Last Modified 2023.03.27
Contributed by GCW Glossary
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