ABSTRACTStoröyjökulen is a low-lying ice cap of about 28 km2that covers the southern half of Storöya in eastern Svalbard. Between July 8 and August 12, 1980, a reconnaissance study of the present glaciation of Storöya was carried out by 4 physical geographers from the University of Stockholm.Ice temperature measurements on many spots all over the glacier showed that Storöyjökulen is a cold glacier of the subpolar type. Core drilling on the summit showed that glacier ice is formed inoneseason, as no firn was found. This process of infiltration-congelation has in part been followed by stake and snow depth measurements.The winter season 1979–80 ended around June 30, 1980, and then the winter balance of Storöyjökulen was 12 cm of water equivalent. This winter balance was unequally distributed over the ice cap. A primary maximum was located at low elevation along the cliffed, southeastern margin, while a secondary maximum existed on the plateau.The ablation season was not ended when we had to depart from Storöya, but it seems as if the net balance of Storöyjökulen might have been positive in 1979–80; at any rate in its southeastern sector.The reason for the existence of Storöyjökulen, although its highest point is only 239 m a.s.l. and its winter balance very small, seems to be a combination of cold ice and a cloud-covered summit plateau with frequent summer snowfalls and summer air temperatures most often below zero degrees.