The mean observed mass-balance became more negative from 1993 through 2012.

Glaciers in the northern part of Andes are mostly out of balance with the present climate.

Glacier mass-balance on the sub-Antarctic islands distinguishes from that of glaciers in the Andes.

South America should be divided into three glacier regions, and not two as earlier stated.

The cycle of mass-balance is linked to the PDO and ENSO with an ~ 8 year and 0 year variability.