High-resolution temporal variations of nitrate in a high-elevation pond in alpine tundra (NW Italian Alps) DOI Creative Commons
Nicola Colombo, Raffaella Balestrini, Danilo Godone

et al.

CATENA, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 235, P. 107635 - 107635

Published: Nov. 5, 2023

High-resolution temporal measurements in remote, high-elevation surface waters are required to better understand the dynamics of nitrate (NO3−) response changes meteoclimatic conditions. This study reports on first use a UV–Vis submersible spectrophotometric probe (UV–Vis probe) measure hourly concentration nitrogen (NO3−-N) pond located at 2722 m a.s.l. an alpine tundra area (NW Italian Alps), during two snow-free seasons (July–October) 2014 and 2015. Weekly analyses NO3−-N stable isotopes water (δ18O δ2H), together with continuous meteorological, temperature, turbidity measurements, were performed over same period. The integration in-situ weekly samples allowed depicting role summer precipitation, snow melt, temperature (air water) influencing NO3− dynamics. Short-duration meteorological events (e.g., storms rain-on-snow events) produced rapid variations in-pond concentration, i.e., fivefold increase 18 h, that would not be detectable using traditional manual collection discrete samples. observed seasonal variability negatively correlated highlighted important biological processes leading enhanced N uptake lowest warmer periods. occurrence heavy rainfall critically altered expected trends, increasing supply pond. comparison years characterised by extremely different conditions us obtain insights potential effects climate high air rainfalls, sensitive aquatic ecosystems as ponds.

Language: Английский

Aging deterioration of mechanical properties on coal-rock combinations considering hydro-chemical corrosion DOI
Wei Chen, Jie Liu, Wenqing Peng

et al.

Energy, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 282, P. 128770 - 128770

Published: Aug. 17, 2023

Language: Английский

Citations

28
Isotopic and chemical signatures of high mountain rivers in catchments with contrasting glacier and rock glacier cover DOI Creative Commons
Stefano Brighenti, Michael Engel,

Roberto Dinale

et al.

Journal of Hydrology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 623, P. 129779 - 129779

Published: June 7, 2023

Glaciers and rock glaciers are key elements of mountain hydrological systems, but their relative influence on the chemical isotopic conditions streams within river continuum is still overlooked. During three consecutive years (2019–2021), we studied 24 stream sections in two catchments (Plima Schnals, Eastern Italian Alps) with varying cover glaciers. End-member mixing models based δ2H d-excess revealed a large spatial temporal variability contribution different water sources to runoff. Overall, snowmelt (77 ± 17 %) rainwater (5 5 were largest smallest runoff components, respectively. The ice melt was high fed by (23 15 (16 16 %). In highly-glacierised Plima basin, tracer-based estimation annual fraction matched reasonably well (90–167%) mean glacial loss estimated geodetic mass balance. contrast, found overestimation component derived from poorly glacierised (but glacier-rich) Schnals catchment. influenced glaciers, at both particular patterns electrical conductivity resulted unreliable estimates meltwater/groundwater fractions Depending local lithology, concentrations trace (Sr, Ni, Ba, Mn, Zn, Al) close/below limits quantification non-glacial streams. alpine areas, abundance can confound signature imparted thus hindering use methods for hydrograph separation. Under combined surpass drinking quality even downstream as observed catchment nickel.

Language: Английский

Citations

12
Increasing Nickel Concentrations in a Large River Network of South Tyrol, Eastern European Alps DOI Creative Commons
Stefano Brighenti, Francesca Bearzot,

Matteo Delpero

et al.

ACS ES&T Water, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 16, 2025

Climate change and cryosphere degradation may enhance the concentrations of heavy metals in high-mountain rivers. However, downstream export these contaminants to lower elevations is still overlooked. In this study, we investigated spatial temporal patterns dissolved bioavailable nickel upper Etsch/Adige river basin (1590 km2; 54 sites) during period 2005–2023. Furthermore, same seasonally (2022–2023) along a tributary (Schnals/Senales River), from glacier origin down confluence with Etsch River (13 sites). Concentrations both forms increased past decade by up 4 times, yet only reaches draining acidic metamorphic Ötztal Unit. Sulfide oxidation, more intense at sites featuring larger glaciers, rock permafrost extent their catchment, enhanced concentrations. Along Schnals River, values were elevated proglacial waters (dissolved fraction 112 μg L–1), gradually decreased moving elevations, dropped (from 20 30 2–5 L–1) large reservoir. Currently, exceed EU environmental quality standards 40% sites, demonstrating sharp implications that be extended other similar geological cryospheric settings.

Language: Английский

Citations

0
Spectral induced polarization survey for the estimation of hydrogeological parameters in an active rock glacier DOI Creative Commons
Clemens Moser, Umberto Morra di Cella, Christian Hauck

et al.

˜The œcryosphere, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 19(1), P. 143 - 171

Published: Jan. 16, 2025

Abstract. Degrading permafrost in rock glaciers has been reported from several sites the European Alps. Changes ground temperature and ice content are expected to affect hydrogeological properties of turn modify runoff regime groundwater recharge high-mountain environments. In this study, we investigate use an emerging geophysical method studies understand active Gran Sometta glacier, which consists a two-lobe tongue (a white black) whose lobes differ their geologies. We present application spectral induced polarization (SIP) imaging, that provides quasi-continuous spatial information about electrical conductivity subsurface, linked properties. To quantify water hydraulic SIP imaging results, used petrophysical dynamic stern layer model. The results show continuously frozen at 4–6 m depth along both hinders infiltration water, leading quick flow through layer. evaluate our conducted tracer experiments monitored with time-lapse confirms barrier associated allows pore velocity be quantified (∼ 10−2 s−1). Below layer, have distinct conductivity. observed higher black lobe, moves faster than supporting hypothesis shear horizon affects glacier velocity. Our study demonstrates is able provide valuable for characterization glaciers.

Language: Английский

Citations

0
Seasonal and diurnal freeze–thaw dynamics of a rock glacier and their impacts on mixing and solute transport DOI Creative Commons

Cyprien Louis,

Landon J. S. Halloran, Clément Roques

et al.

Hydrology and earth system sciences, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 29(6), P. 1505 - 1523

Published: March 19, 2025

Abstract. Rock glaciers play a vital role in the hydrological functioning of many alpine catchments. Here, we investigate seasonal and daily freeze–thaw cycles previously undocumented Canfinal rock glacier (RG) located Val d'Ursé catchment (Bernina Range, Switzerland) RG's influence on dynamics hydrogeological system. We combine digital image correlation techniques, geochemical isotopic analyses, time series analysis, monitoring to understand An acceleration RG creep since 1990 has occurred, with most active regions exhibiting horizontal velocities ∼1 m yr−1. Distinct signatures springs influenced by discharge reflect contrasting temporally variable groundwater mixing ratios. A novel application frequency–domain analysis air temperature spring electrical conductivity enables quantitative understanding thaw subsurface flow dynamics. Following onset snowmelt, observed gradual decrease lag between maxima minima at front glacier. This suggests progressively increasing flows within talus, driven efficient recharge from snowmelt contributions thawing Through our multi-method approach, develop conceptual model representing main cryo-hydrogeological processes involved RG-influenced headwaters.

Language: Английский

Citations

0
Rock glaciers of the semi-arid northwestern Himalayas: distribution, characteristics, and hydrological significance DOI

Pratima Pandey,

Sheikh Nawaz Ali,

Subhashree Subhasmita Das

et al.

CATENA, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 238, P. 107845 - 107845

Published: Jan. 27, 2024

Language: Английский

Citations

3
Contemporary movement of rock glaciers in the La Sal and Uinta Mountains, Utah, USA DOI Creative Commons
Jeffrey S. Munroe, Alexander L. Handwerger

Quaternary Science Advances, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 14, P. 100188 - 100188

Published: April 10, 2024

Rock glaciers are common landforms in mountainous areas of the western US. The motion active rock is a key indicator ice content, offering connections to climate and hydrologic systems. Here, we quantified movement six La Sal Uinta Mountains Utah through repeat differential GPS surveying. Networks 10–41 points on each glacier were surveyed September, 2021; July, 2022; 2023. We found that all features moving with average annual rates from 1.5 ± 0.8 18.5 7.5 cm/yr. move up 3x faster summer than winter, greater 2023 after winter above-average snowfall, emphasizing role liquid water availability. Velocities individual 2021–22 positively correlated velocities during 2022–23, suggesting spatial variability not stochastic, but rather reflects internal properties glacier. Bottom temperature snow measurements springs discharging summer, suggest these contain modern permafrost. Radiocarbon data document advance one Little Ice Age. Our dataset reveals complicated patterns movement, network survey established will be valuable baseline for detecting future cryosphere change mountains.

Language: Английский

Citations

2
Factors controlling the water quality of rock glacier springs in European and American mountain ranges DOI Creative Commons
Stefano Brighenti,

N. Colombo,

Thomas Wagner

et al.

The Science of The Total Environment, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 953, P. 175706 - 175706

Published: Aug. 27, 2024

Rock glaciers (RGs) provide significant water resources in mountain areas under climate change. Recent research has highlighted high concentrations of solutes including trace elements RG-fed waters, with negative implications on quality. Yet, sparse studies from a few locations hinder conclusions about the main drivers solute export RGs. Here, an unprecedented effort, we collected published and unpublished data rock glacier hydrochemistry around globe. We considered 201 RG springs ranges across Europe, North South America, using combination machine learning, multivariate univariate analyses, geochemical modeling. found that 35 % issuing intact RGs (containing internal ice) have quality below drinking standards, compared to 5 connected relict (without ice). The interaction ice bedrock lithology is responsible for springs. Indeed, higher sulfate sourcing originating RGs, mostly specific lithological settings. Enhanced sulfide oxidation elevated element concentrations. Challenges management may arise catchments rich where predisposing geology would make these hotspots. Our work represents first comprehensive attempt identify waters.

Language: Английский

Citations

2
Ecological “Windows of opportunity” influence biofilm prokaryotic diversity differently in glacial and non-glacial Alpine streams DOI
Monica Tolotti, Stefano Brighenti, Maria Cristina Bruno

et al.

The Science of The Total Environment, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 944, P. 173826 - 173826

Published: June 12, 2024

Language: Английский

Citations

1
Ecological “Windows of Opportunity” Influence Benthic Prokaryotic Diversity Differently in Glacial and Non-Glacial Alpine Streams DOI
Monica Tolotti, Stefano Brighenti, Maria Cristina Bruno

et al.

Published: Jan. 1, 2024

Windows of Opportunity (WOs), periods milder environmental conditions supporting the seasonal development benthic microorganisms (mainly primary producers) in alpine glacial streams, are currently being defined based on changes biofilm biomass. However, very little is known about prokaryotic diversity headwaters origin other than present context glacier retreat. A two year (2017-2018) metabarcoding epilithic and sediment prokaryotes was conducted fed by melt (kryal), rock thawing, or groundwater (krenal) catchments Central-Eastern European Alps (Italy), aiming at better understanding distribution different water types substrates, and, especially, testing hypothesis that WOs enhances a-diversity besides biomass both non-glacial streams. The study confirmed kryal krenal streams as endmembers a- b-diversity, with sharing a large portion taxa types. Alpha-diversity appeared to respond ecological WOs, but, contrary expectations, seasonality less pronounced turbid clear likely relation changing hydrological influences small glaciers over downstream water. Indirect effects climate change habitat high-altitude may also be responsible for higher found early summer comparison late summer/autumn Our findings, while confirming high altitude heavily threatened change, underscore still neglected role runoffs refugia most stenothermic aquatic organism. This advocates necessity define test strategies protecting such preserving, restoring, connecting cold biodiversity progressing global warming.

Language: Английский

Citations

0