Localized Calving Sensitivity at Perito Moreno Glacier (Patagonia) Revealed by Seismic Template Matching and Time-Lapse Images

Abstract

Calving, the detachment of icebergs from glacier termini, is a dominant mode of mass loss for many glaciers, yet its spatial and temporal variability remains poorly understood. In this study, we analyze calving activity at the Brazo Rico front of Perito Moreno Glacier (Patagonia), through the integration of broadband seismic records, time-lapse photography, and satellite-derived surface velocity. We first synchronize seismic and photographic data collected between November 24 and 31 December 2018, identifying 88 calving events captured in both data sets. Then, 69 of these events were used as templates to apply template-matching detection, resulting in a catalog of 1,230 calving events. Our analysis reveals that calving activity is highly localized, with two frontal zones accounting for the majority of detections. These regions coincide with areas of pronounced frontal curvature and, in one case, elevated ice surface velocity, suggesting that both glacier geometry and dynamics promote local instability. The multi-sensor approach enhances detection capability and temporal resolution, offering new insights into the calving dynamics at lake-termination of Perito Moreno glacier. Continued integration of seismic, optical, and satellite observations will be essential for advancing our understanding of ice dynamics and improving projections of glacier response to climate change.