Estimation of mass and energy balance of glaciers using a distributed energy balance model over the Chandra river basin (Western Himalaya)

2021 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Akansha Patel ◽  
Ajanta Goswami ◽  
Jaydeo K. Dharpure ◽  
Meloth Thamban ◽  
Parmanand Sharma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Balance ◽  
River Basin ◽  
Western Himalaya ◽  
Energy Balance Model ◽  
Balance Model ◽  
Distributed Energy

scholarly journals Distributed Energy Balance Flux Modelling of Mass Balances in the Artesonraju Glacier and Discharge in the Basin of Artesoncocha, Cordillera Blanca, Peru

Climate ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 143
Author(s):  
María Fernanda Lozano Gacha ◽  
Manfred Koch
Keyword(s):  
Energy Balance ◽  
Mass Balance ◽  
Energy Balance Model ◽  
Shortwave Radiation ◽  
Radiative Energy ◽  
Balance Model ◽  
Threshold Temperature ◽  
Mass Balances ◽  
Distributed Energy ◽  
Cordillera Blanca

A distributed energy balance model (DEBAM) is applied to estimate the mass balance of the Artesonraju glacier in the Cordillera Blanca (CB), Peru, and to simulate the ensuing discharge into its respective basin, Artesoncocha. The energy balance model calibrations show that, by using seasonal albedos, reasonable results for mass balances and discharge can be obtained, as witnessed by annually aggregated Nash Sutcliffe coefficients (E) of 0.60–0.87 for discharge and of 0.58–0.71 for mass measurements carried out in the period 2004–2007. Mass losses between −1.42 and −0.45 m.w.e. are calculated for that period. The elevation line altitudes (ELAs), which lie between 5009 and 5050 m.a.s.l., are also well simulated, compared to those measured by the Unidad Glaciologica de Recursos Hídricos del Perú (UGRH). It is demonstrated that the net radiation which drives the energy balance and melting processes is mainly affected by the amount of reflected shortwave radiation from the different surfaces. Moreover, the longwave radiation sinks between 63 and 73% of solar radiative energy in the dry season. Further sensitivity studies indicate that the assumed threshold temperature T0 is crucial in mass balance simulations, as it determines the extension of areas with different albedos. An optimal T0 between 2.6 and 3.8 °C is deduced from these simulations.

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