Comment on egusphere-2024-844 DOI Creative Commons

Ryan Webb

Опубликована: Май 20, 2024

Abstract. Intact rock glaciers, a permafrost landform common in high-mountain regions, are often conceptualized as (frozen) water reserves. In warming climate with slowly degrading permafrost, the large below-ground ice volumes might suggest buffering effect on summer streamflow that due to resiliency of glaciers only increases rapidly receding glaciers. this case study, we assess role and functioning active Murtèl glacier hydrological cycle its small (17 ha) periglacial unglacierized watershed located Upper Engadine (eastern Swiss Alps). Our unprecedentedly comprehensive hydro-meteorological measurements include heat flux 3–5 m thick coarse-blocky layer (AL), direct observations seasonal evolution ground-ice table, discharge isotopic signature outflow at rock-glacier front. The detailed active-layer energy water/ice balance quantifies precipitation, evaporation, snow melt, ground catchment surface outflow. stores releases over three different time scales varying magnitudes residence times: (1) Liquid storage short-term (sub-monthly) scale is permafrost-underlain coarse-debris catchment, shown by ‘flashy’ hydrograph during thaw season little sustained baseflow (<3 L min-1) dry months. (2) Seasonal accumulation melt AL substantial: Independent an budget suggests rates 1−4 mm w.e. day-1, amounting 150−300 season. comparatively cool–wet year 2021, represented ca. 13 % annual precipitation outflow, but 28 hot–dry 2022. superimposed sourced refreezing snowmelt spring (annually replenished), protracts into late (intermediate-term storage), cannot increase total yearly runoff. (3) Meltwater release from ‘old’ climate-induced degradation ≤50 yr-1 or ~ 5−10 times smaller than meltwater contribution order few overall fluxes (long-term storage). study hydrologically relevant turnover occurs addition released slow ice-rich permafrost. acts coupled thermal buffer some degree protects underlying core converting More should tell how generalisable our single-site findings are.

Язык: Английский

Rock Glacier Movement and Debris Transport Over Annual to Multi‐Millennial Timescales DOI Creative Commons
Jeffrey S. Munroe, Benjamin Laabs, Lee B. Corbett

и другие.

Journal of Geophysical Research Earth Surface, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 129(4)

Опубликована: Апрель 1, 2024

Abstract Rock glaciers are common in alpine landscapes, but their evolution over time and significance as agents of debris transport not well‐understood. Here, we assess the movement an ice‐cemented rock glacier a range timescales using GPS surveying, satellite‐based radar, cosmogenic 10 Be surface‐exposure dating. InSAR measurements indicate that moved at average rate ∼10 cm yr −1 recent years. Sampled boulders on have ages from 1.2 to ka, indicating they been exposed since beginning Holocene. Exposure increase linearly with distance downslope, suggesting slower long‐term mean surface velocity 3 ± 0.3 . Our findings suggest behavior this may be dominated by episodes dormancy punctuated intervals relatively rapid both short long timescales. also show volume corresponds m material stripped headwall during These first constrain North American glacier, together satellite radar measurements, reveal effective geomorphic dynamic multi‐millennial histories.

Язык: Английский

Процитировано

5
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

и другие.

Journal of Hydrology, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 623, С. 129779 - 129779

Опубликована: Июнь 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.

Язык: Английский

Процитировано

12
Factors controlling the water quality of rock glacier springs in European and American mountain ranges DOI Creative Commons
Stefano Brighenti,

N. Colombo,

Thomas Wagner

и другие.

The Science of The Total Environment, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 953, С. 175706 - 175706

Опубликована: Авг. 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.

Язык: Английский

Процитировано

3
Increasing Nickel Concentrations in a Large River Network of South Tyrol, Eastern European Alps DOI Creative Commons
Stefano Brighenti, Francesca Bearzot,

Matteo Delpero

и другие.

ACS ES&T Water, Год журнала: 2025, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Янв. 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.

Язык: Английский

Процитировано

0
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, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 14, С. 100188 - 100188

Опубликована: Апрель 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.

Язык: Английский

Процитировано

2
On the hydrological significance of rock glaciers: A case study from Murtèl rock glacier (Engadine, eastern Swiss Alps) using below-ground energy-flux measurements, ground-ice melt observations and hydrological measurements DOI Creative Commons
Dominik Amschwand,

Seraina Tschan,

Martin Scherler

и другие.

Опубликована: Апрель 18, 2024

Abstract. Intact rock glaciers, a permafrost landform common in high-mountain regions, are often conceptualized as (frozen) water reserves. In warming climate with slowly degrading permafrost, the large below-ground ice volumes might suggest buffering effect on summer streamflow that due to resiliency of glaciers only increases rapidly receding glaciers. this case study, we assess role and functioning active Murtèl glacier hydrological cycle its small (17 ha) periglacial unglacierized watershed located Upper Engadine (eastern Swiss Alps). Our unprecedentedly comprehensive hydro-meteorological measurements include heat flux 3–5 m thick coarse-blocky layer (AL), direct observations seasonal evolution ground-ice table, discharge isotopic signature outflow at rock-glacier front. The detailed active-layer energy water/ice balance quantifies precipitation, evaporation, snow melt, ground catchment surface outflow. stores releases over three different time scales varying magnitudes residence times: (1) Liquid storage short-term (sub-monthly) scale is permafrost-underlain coarse-debris catchment, shown by ‘flashy’ hydrograph during thaw season little sustained baseflow (<3 L min-1) dry months. (2) Seasonal accumulation melt AL substantial: Independent an budget suggests rates 1−4 mm w.e. day-1, amounting 150−300 season. comparatively cool–wet year 2021, represented ca. 13 % annual precipitation outflow, but 28 hot–dry 2022. superimposed sourced refreezing snowmelt spring (annually replenished), protracts into late (intermediate-term storage), cannot increase total yearly runoff. (3) Meltwater release from ‘old’ climate-induced degradation ≤50 yr-1 or ~ 5−10 times smaller than meltwater contribution order few overall fluxes (long-term storage). study hydrologically relevant turnover occurs addition released slow ice-rich permafrost. acts coupled thermal buffer some degree protects underlying core converting More should tell how generalisable our single-site findings are.

Язык: Английский

Процитировано

0
Comment on egusphere-2024-844 DOI Creative Commons
Dominik Amschwand,

Seraina Tschan,

Martin Scherler

и другие.

Опубликована: Май 14, 2024

Abstract. Intact rock glaciers, a permafrost landform common in high-mountain regions, are often conceptualized as (frozen) water reserves. In warming climate with slowly degrading permafrost, the large below-ground ice volumes might suggest buffering effect on summer streamflow that due to resiliency of glaciers only increases rapidly receding glaciers. this case study, we assess role and functioning active Murtèl glacier hydrological cycle its small (17 ha) periglacial unglacierized watershed located Upper Engadine (eastern Swiss Alps). Our unprecedentedly comprehensive hydro-meteorological measurements include heat flux 3–5 m thick coarse-blocky layer (AL), direct observations seasonal evolution ground-ice table, discharge isotopic signature outflow at rock-glacier front. The detailed active-layer energy water/ice balance quantifies precipitation, evaporation, snow melt, ground catchment surface outflow. stores releases over three different time scales varying magnitudes residence times: (1) Liquid storage short-term (sub-monthly) scale is permafrost-underlain coarse-debris catchment, shown by ‘flashy’ hydrograph during thaw season little sustained baseflow (<3 L min-1) dry months. (2) Seasonal accumulation melt AL substantial: Independent an budget suggests rates 1−4 mm w.e. day-1, amounting 150−300 season. comparatively cool–wet year 2021, represented ca. 13 % annual precipitation outflow, but 28 hot–dry 2022. superimposed sourced refreezing snowmelt spring (annually replenished), protracts into late (intermediate-term storage), cannot increase total yearly runoff. (3) Meltwater release from ‘old’ climate-induced degradation ≤50 yr-1 or ~ 5−10 times smaller than meltwater contribution order few overall fluxes (long-term storage). study hydrologically relevant turnover occurs addition released slow ice-rich permafrost. acts coupled thermal buffer some degree protects underlying core converting More should tell how generalisable our single-site findings are.

Язык: Английский

Процитировано

0
Comment on egusphere-2024-844 DOI Creative Commons

Ryan Webb

Опубликована: Май 20, 2024

Abstract. Intact rock glaciers, a permafrost landform common in high-mountain regions, are often conceptualized as (frozen) water reserves. In warming climate with slowly degrading permafrost, the large below-ground ice volumes might suggest buffering effect on summer streamflow that due to resiliency of glaciers only increases rapidly receding glaciers. this case study, we assess role and functioning active Murtèl glacier hydrological cycle its small (17 ha) periglacial unglacierized watershed located Upper Engadine (eastern Swiss Alps). Our unprecedentedly comprehensive hydro-meteorological measurements include heat flux 3–5 m thick coarse-blocky layer (AL), direct observations seasonal evolution ground-ice table, discharge isotopic signature outflow at rock-glacier front. The detailed active-layer energy water/ice balance quantifies precipitation, evaporation, snow melt, ground catchment surface outflow. stores releases over three different time scales varying magnitudes residence times: (1) Liquid storage short-term (sub-monthly) scale is permafrost-underlain coarse-debris catchment, shown by ‘flashy’ hydrograph during thaw season little sustained baseflow (<3 L min-1) dry months. (2) Seasonal accumulation melt AL substantial: Independent an budget suggests rates 1−4 mm w.e. day-1, amounting 150−300 season. comparatively cool–wet year 2021, represented ca. 13 % annual precipitation outflow, but 28 hot–dry 2022. superimposed sourced refreezing snowmelt spring (annually replenished), protracts into late (intermediate-term storage), cannot increase total yearly runoff. (3) Meltwater release from ‘old’ climate-induced degradation ≤50 yr-1 or ~ 5−10 times smaller than meltwater contribution order few overall fluxes (long-term storage). study hydrologically relevant turnover occurs addition released slow ice-rich permafrost. acts coupled thermal buffer some degree protects underlying core converting More should tell how generalisable our single-site findings are.

Язык: Английский

Процитировано

0