Abstract The two vast Patagonian icefields are a global hotspot for ice-loss.However, not much is known about the total ice volume they store - let alone its spatial distribution.One reason is that the abundant record of direct thickness measurements has never been systematically exploited.
Here, this record is combined with remotely-sensed information on past ice thickness mapped from glacier Hobby boxes retreat.Both datasets are incorporated in a state-of-the-art, mass-conservation approach to produce a well-informed map of the basal topography beneath the icefields.Its major asset is the reliability increase of thicknesses values along the many marine- and lake-terminating glaciers.
For these, frontal ice-discharge is notably lower than previously reported.This finding implies that direct climatic control Projection Screens was more influential for past ice loss.We redact a total volume for both icefields in 2000 of 5351 km3.
Despite the wealth of observations used in this assessment, relative volume uncertainties remain elevated.