Finding of the first Japanese glacier in Mts. Tateyama and Mt. Tsurugi, the northern Japanese Alps

Abstract

We have researched surface flow velocity and ice thickness of the Gozenzawa, the Sannomado and the Komado perennial snow patches in the northern Japanese Alps since 2009.  The Sannomado and the Komado perennial snow patches had large ice masses.  We clarified that the both ice masses had flowed over 30cm/month in autumn of 2011.  Thus, we regard the both snow patches as active glacier.  The Gozenzawa perennial snow patch had also a large ice mass.  We identified that the ice mass had slightly flowed in autumns of 2010 and 2011.  Thus, we also regard the snow patch as active glacier.