This evaluation of changes in the dimensions of the Severnaya Zemlya glaciers is based on an interpretation of cartographic data from the first aerial surveys made in 1931, and of observations conducted between 1952 and 1974. Comparison of the maps has revealed a general retreat of the margins of the ice domes and the disappearance of some glaciers since 1952. The summary data testify to the fact that the general shrinkage has affected glaciers of all morphological types. The glaciers of Bol'shevik Island experienced the greatest shrinkage, with the margins of some ice domes retreating 2–2.5 km (Fig. 1). The degradation of the glaciers is confirmed by the data on glacier mass balance. These have been derived from an eight‐year series of observations (1974–1981) on the Vavilov Dome and calculated from correlations of snow accumulations with mean winter air temperature at Cape Chelyuskin for the period 1933–1980. According to these calculations the glaciers of Severnaya Zemlya are annually losing 2–3 km3of ice, and up to 8–10 km2in individual years.