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This study presents surface mass balance of two small glaciers on James Ross Island calculated using constant and zonally-variable conversion factors. The density of 500 and 900 kg·m–3 adopted for snow in the accumulation area and ice in the ablation area, respectively, provides lower mass balance values that better fit to the glaciological records from glaciers on Vega Island and South Shetland Islands. The difference between the cumulative surface mass balance values based on constant (1.23 ± 0.44 m w.e.) and zonally-variable density (0.57 ± 0.67 m w.e.) is higher for Whisky Glacier where a total mass gain was observed over the period 2009–2015. The cumulative surface mass balance values are 0.46 ± 0.36 and 0.11 ± 0.37 m w.e. for Davies Dome, which experienced lower mass gain over the same period. The conversion approach does not affect much the spatial distribution of surface mass balance on glaciers, equilibrium line altitude and accumulation-area ratio. The pattern of the surface mass balance is almost identical in the ablation zone and very similar in the accumulation zone, where the constant conversion factor yields higher surface mass balance values. The equilibrium line altitude and accumulation-area ratio determined for the investigated glaciers differ by less than 2m and 0.01, respectively. The annual changes of equilibrium line altitude and the mean values determined over the period 2009–2015 for Whisky Glacier (311 ± 16 m a.s.l.) and Davies Dome (393 ± 18 m a.s.l.) coincide with the values reported from Bahía del Diablo Glacier on Vega Island but differ from the glaciological records on South Shetland Islands.

We tried to verify the concept of Structure from Motion method for measuring the volume of snow cover in a grid of 100×100 m located in Adventdalen, Central Svalbard. As referencing method we utilized 121 depth measurements in one hectare area. Using avalanche probe a snow depth was measured in mentioned 121 nodes of the grid. We detected maximum snow depth of 2.05 m but snowless parts as well. From gathered depths’ data we geostatistically (ordinary kriging) interpolated snow surface model which we used to determine reference volume of snow at research plot (5 569 m3). As a result, we were able to calculate important metrics and analyze topography and spatial distribution of snow cover at the plot. For taking photos for Structure from Motion method, bare pole in hands with a camera mounted was used. We constructed orthomosaic of research plot.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) have technical capabilities to extended usage in various fields ofscience. The existing UAVs are to be relatively easily accessible in the near future. It is possible to equip them with different sensors but there are still some usage limitations. This paper focuses ondemonstrating UAVs usage for research in polar regions. The research in polar regions is very specific and, due to harsh climate, limits the field work with UAVs. The options and limitations are presented in a case study performed in the Nordenskiöldbreen area, Svalbard Archipelago. In the end some derived products suitable for further analysis are presented.

In this study, a GPS method was used to measure moss-dominated vegetation areas located at northern part of James Ross Island. Several small-scale (above 400 m2) areas were selected for the measurements of their shape, total area, boarder line, mean slope, and exposition as well as biodiversity of mosses. The areas of interest were located particularly in neighbourhood of the Big and Small Lachman lakes and northern slopes of Berry Hill mesa. Typically, the mossdominated areas were supplied with melt water from neighbouring snow fields formed in previous austral winter season. Specimens of mosses were collected from each site so that dominating species forming community structure could be evaluated. Individual areas differed in species richness, however, Bryum pseudotriquetrum and Hypnum revolutum dominated most of them. Sanionia uncinata was found at the only one of the investigated areas and might be considered as rare species for James Ross Island. In the paper, shape location and area of moss-dominated spots at James Ross Island is reported and discussed in relation to morphological characteristics of particular sites as well as water availability during austral summer season. Práce přináší výsledky mapování vegetačních oáz severní části ostrova Jamese rosse, Antarktida. In this study, a GPS method was used to measure moss-dominated vegetation areas located at northern part of James Ross Island. Several small-scale (above 400 m2) areas were selected for the measurements of their shape, total area, boarder line, mean slope, and exposition as well as biodiversity of mosses. The areas of interest were located particularly in neighbourhood of the Big and Small Lachman lakes and northern slopes of Berry Hill mesa. Typically, the mossdominated areas were supplied with melt water from neighbouring snow fields formed in previous austral winter season. Specimens of mosses were collected from each site so that dominating species forming community structure could be evaluated. Individual areas differed in species richness, however, Bryum pseudotriquetrum and Hypnum revolutum dominated most of them. Sanionia uncinata was found at the only one of the investigated areas and might be considered as rare species for James Ross Island. In the paper, shape location and area of moss-dominated spots at James Ross Island is reported and discussed in relation to morphological characteristics of particular sites as well as water availability during austral summer season.

The article is focused on issuing of the permanent stabilisation of geodetic points in the periglacial environment. Periglacial environment of ice-free areas of northern James Ross Island is characterised by specific geomorphological processes connected with freezing and thawing and mass movement processes in the superficial part of the ground. Variable intensity of periglacial processes creates main limitations for traditional methods of permanent geodetic point’s stabilisation. This article describes periglacial processes with regards to the traditional stabilisation methods and suggests alternative solutions, which were practically applied and verified on the ice-free area of Ulu Peninsula, northern James Ross Island.