scholarly journals Relevance and Scale Dependence of Hydrological Changes in Glacierized Catchments: Insights from Historical Data Series in the Eastern Italian Alps

Water ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luca Carturan ◽  
Fabrizio De Blasi ◽  
Federico Cazorzi ◽  
Davide Zoccatelli ◽  
Paola Bonato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Hydrological Regime ◽  
Late Summer ◽  
Ice Age ◽  
Data Series ◽  
Italian Alps ◽  
Rapid Reduction ◽  
Buffering Effect ◽  
Hydrological Sensitivity ◽  
Alpine Catchments

Glaciers have an important hydrological buffering effect, but their current rapid reduction raises concerns about future water availability and management. This work presents a hydrological sensitivity analysis to different climatic and glacier cover conditions, carried out over four catchments with area between 8 and 1050 km2, and with glacierization between 2% and 70%, in the Italian Alps. The analysis is based on past observations, and exploits a unique dataset of glacier change and hydro-meteorological data. The working approach is aimed at avoiding uncertainties typical of future runoff projections in glacierized catchments. The results highlight a transition from glacial to nival hydrological regime, with the highest impacts in August runoff over smaller catchments. The buffering effect of current glaciers has largely decreased if compared to the Little Ice Age, up to 75% for larger catchments, but it is still important during warm and dry summers like 2003. We confirm a non-linear relationship between glacier contribution in late summer and catchment area/percent glacierization. The peak in runoff attributable to glacier melt, expected in the next 2–3 decades on highly glacierized alpine catchments, has already passed in the study area.

Climate of Moscow at the end of Little Ice Age

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mikhail A. Lokoshchenko
Keyword(s):  
Little Ice Age ◽  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Total Error ◽  
Thermal Conditions ◽  
Ice Age ◽  
Data Series ◽  
Accuracy Of Measurements ◽  
Meteorological Observations ◽  
June July ◽  
First Time

<p>Better understanding of current climate changes needs a full knowledge about regional specific of thermal conditions at the end of Little Ice Age. So, the earliest available meteorological data are important. First regular daily qualitative meteorological observations were taken in Moscow city from 1657 to 1675. Episodic short series of instrumental measurements were made there for the first time in 1731; regular daily measurements started in 1779 when one of Mannheim network stations was founded in Moscow.</p><p>         All known old data series of the air temperature T measurements in Moscow since 1779 were collected and analyzed. Mannheim station existed there from 1779 to 1797 but average values of T are available from issues of Ephemerides Societatis Meteorologicae Palatinae only for the period 1779–1792. High accuracy of measurements at Mannheim network is confirmed by high correlation co-efficient between monthly-averaged T values in Moscow and at closest stations (Warsaw and St. Petersburg): up to 0.82-0.84 on separate months.</p><p>         Different methodical questions (unknown location of the station, unknown conditions of thermometer installation, its height and shading, an accuracy of its calibration, etc.) were studied. As a result it was found that the most probable error due to thermometer installation close to the northern building wall is ±0.1÷0.2 ºС; the error of daily-averaged T due to unknown height of measurements is ±0.1 ºС; the calibration accuracy in Mannheim was about ±0.1 ºС. Thus, a total error of T on average of a day in the 18<sup>th</sup> century was not higher than ±0.3÷0.4 ºС. Probably it was even less because separate components of the error may be multidirectional. For the first time mean-annual T in Moscow was received for 1783, and the most probable values were estimated for 1784 and 1785 using the data of the closest Mannheim station (Saint-Petersburg) for separate months with data gaps. The end of Little Ice Age manifeted at extremely low minimal values of T: up to –31 ˚R (–38.8 ˚С) in December 17<sup>th</sup>, 1788. However, thermal conditions from June to September changed only a bit since the 18<sup>th</sup> century till nowadays (differences are not statistically significant with the 0.95 confidence probability).  </p><p>         Later measurements in Moscow were renewed since 1808 and broken again in August of 1812 due to Napoleon’s invasion and terrible Moscow fire. For the first time unknown data series of everyday measurements which were made by Ivan Lange in 1816–1817 were found and studied. As is known the famous 1816 ‘Year Without a Summer’ was noted almost all over the World by extremely cold summer as probable result of Mount Tambora eruption in 1815. Nevertheless, it was found that summer of 1816 in Moscow was comparatively cool but not extremely cold: monthly-averaged T there was 15.7, 17.3 and 14.5 ˚С in June, July and August, respectively, and 15.8 ˚С on average of the summer. Thus, 1816 occupies only 27<sup>th</sup> place among the coldest summers in the city during 216 years.</p><p>         Author is thankful to the memory of his late PhD student Ekaterina L. Vasilenko.</p>

Water budget and subsurface runoff determination for small Alpine catchments using WaSIM

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Bergmeister ◽  
Klaus Klebinder ◽  
Bernhard Kohl ◽  
Ulrich Burger ◽  
Georg Orsi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Balance ◽  
Water Budget ◽  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Modular System ◽  
Research Centre ◽  
Main Study ◽  
Direct Model ◽  
Subsurface Runoff ◽  
Alpine Catchments ◽  
Brenner Base Tunnel

<p>Assessing the water balance including subsurface runoff in high Alpine catchments is still a major challenge due to environmental and meteorological complexity, and mostly data-lacking hydrology. The aim of this study is the determination of the water balance components and water budget with focus on approximation of interflow, subsurface runoff and groundwater interactions, depending on sediment and bedrock properties.</p><p>In this process we investigate a small, high data providing Alpine catchment in the Wipp Valley (Tyrol, AT) to evaluate the best modelling approach in order to apply it on catchments along the Austrian Brenner axis. Thus, a direct model comparison of the main study catchment, with its (moderate data providing) neighbouring valley is carried out. The main study catchment (Padaster Valley) covers 11.2 km<sup>2</sup> and is located east of Steinach am Brenner in the Wipp Valley. Due to its partially usage as a deposital site, respectively a landfill for the tunnel excavation material of the Brenner Base Tunnel, this valley represents a highly interesting site in a hydrological aspect. Thus, the Padaster Valley is highly monitored and hence predestined for hydrological investigations. Hydrological data such as discharge is measured high frequently on four gauges, meteorological data on two gauges. An additional study catchment (Navis Valley) covers 63 km<sup>2</sup> and is located northerly next the Padaster Valley. Seven gauges provide meteorological data, however, continuous discharge data is just measured at the valley mouth. Further meteorological data for both areas will be contributed by the ZAMG (Zentralanstalt für Meteorologie und Geodynamik), whose INCA model provide a high spatial resolution dataset of 1km. However, in order to gain a better overall understanding of subsurface runoff and hydrogeological processes, geological data will be considered and incorporated/integrated in the modelling process. This includes geological maps, - cross sections and geophysical analysis, which help to estimate the bedrock topography, and consequently the volume as well as deeper seated hydrogeological properties of the sediment cover. In this context, continuous data from 7 groundwater observation wells provide information regarding groundwater levels and hydraulic head. To increase the model accuracy regarding subsurface flow processes, subsurface-depending runoff types after Pirkl & Sausgruber (2015) are applied. Furthermore, several maps such as land use, surface runoff coefficient and soil map including grain size distribution of the layers have been compiled by in-situ fieldwork for this study. In order to model the water budget, subsurface runoff and overall hydrological slope properties, the distributed hydrological Model WaSIM (Richards version; Schulla, 1997) is applied. The model is based on a modular system which uses physically-based algorithms.</p><p>The present study is been carried out by the Austrian Research Centre for Forests (BFW) in collaboration with the Brenner Base Tunnel (BBT-SE).</p>

scholarly journals Little Ice Age (Neoglacial) Paleoenvironmental Conditions At Siple Station, Antarctica

1990 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 199-204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellen Mosley-Thompson ◽  
Lonnie G. Thompson ◽  
Pieter M. Grootes ◽  
N. Gundestrup
Keyword(s):  
Little Ice Age ◽  
Regional Differences ◽  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Ice Core ◽  
Observational Evidence ◽  
Ice Age ◽  
Temperature Pattern ◽  
South Pole ◽  
Atmospheric Conditions ◽  
Spatially Distributed

The 550-year records of δ18O and dust concentrations from Siple Station, Antarctica suggest warmer and less dusty atmospheric conditions from 1600 to 1830 A.D. which encompasses much of the northern hemisphere Little Ice Age (LIA). Dust and δ18O data from South Pole Station indicate that the opposite conditions (e.g. cooler and more dusty) were prevalent there during the LIA. Meteorological data from 1945–85 show that the LIA temperature opposition between Amundsen-Scott and Siple, inferred from δ18O, is consistent with the present spatial distribution of surface temperature. There is some observational evidence suggesting that under present conditions stronger zonal westerlies produce a temperature pattern similar to that of the LIA. These regional differences demonstrate that a suite of spatially distributed, high resolution ice-core records will be necessary to characterize the LIA in Antarctica

scholarly journals Post-LIA glacier changes along a latitudinal transect in the Central Italian Alps

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 2235-2252 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Scotti ◽  
F. Brardinoni ◽  
G. B. Crosta
Keyword(s):  
Atmospheric Temperature ◽  
Winter Precipitation ◽  
Ice Age ◽  
Glacier Change ◽  
Mass Balances ◽  
Italian Alps ◽  
Temperature Trends ◽  
Continental Divide ◽  
Latitudinal Transect ◽  
Order Of Magnitude

Abstract. The variability of glacier response to atmospheric temperature rise in different topo-climatic settings is still a matter of debate. To address this question in the Central Italian Alps, we compile a post-LIA (Little Ice Age) multitemporal glacier inventory (1860–1954–1990–2003–2007) along a latitudinal transect that originates north of the continental divide in the Livigno Mountains and extends south through the Disgrazia and Orobie ranges, encompassing continental-to-maritime climatic settings. In these sub-regions, we examine the area change of 111 glaciers. Overall, the total glacierized area has declined from 34.1 to 10.1 km2, with a substantial increase in the number of small glaciers due to fragmentation. The average annual decrease (AAD) in glacier area has risen by about 1 order of magnitude from 1860–1990 (Livigno: 0.45; Orobie: 0.42; and Disgrazia: 0.39 % a−1) to 1990–2007 (Livigno: 3.08; Orobie: 2.44; and Disgrazia: 2.27 % a−1). This ranking changes when considering glaciers smaller than 0.5 km2 only (i.e., we remove the confounding caused by large glaciers in Disgrazia), so that post-1990 AAD follows the latitudinal gradient and Orobie glaciers stand out (Livigno: 4.07; Disgrazia: 3.57; and Orobie: 2.47 % a−1). More recent (2007–2013) field-based mass balances in three selected small glaciers confirm post-1990 trends showing the consistently highest retreat in continental Livigno and minimal area loss in maritime Orobie, with Disgrazia displaying transitional behavior. We argue that the recent resilience of glaciers in Orobie is a consequence of their decoupling from synoptic atmospheric temperature trends, a decoupling that arises from the combination of local topographic configuration (i.e., deep, north-facing cirques) and high winter precipitation, which ensures high snow-avalanche supply, as well as high summer shading and sheltering. Our hypothesis is further supported by the lack of correlations between glacier change and glacier attributes in Orobie, as well as by the higher variability in ELA,sub>0 positioning, post-LIA glacier change, and interannual mass balances, as we move southward along the transect.

scholarly journals Climate reconstruction since the Little Ice Age by modelling Koryto glacier, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia

2008 ◽  
Vol 54 (184) ◽  
pp. 125-130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Satoru Yamaguchi ◽  
Renji Naruse ◽  
Takayuki Shiraiwa
Keyword(s):  
20Th Century ◽  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Ice Core ◽  
Kamchatka Peninsula ◽  
Winter Precipitation ◽  
Ice Age ◽  
Equilibrium Line Altitude ◽  
Ice Cap ◽  
Glacier Terminus ◽  
Tree Ring Data

AbstractBased on the field data at Koryto glacier, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia, we constructed a one-dimensional numerical glacier model which fits the behaviour of the glacier. The analysis of meteorological data from the nearby station suggests that the recent rapid retreat of the glacier since the mid-20th century is likely to be due to a decrease in winter precipitation. Using the geographical data of the glacier terminus variations from 1711 to 1930, we reconstructed the fluctuation in the equilibrium-line altitude by means of the glacier model. With summer temperatures inferred from tree-ring data, the model suggests that the winter precipitation from the mid-19th to the early 20th century was about 10% less than that at present. This trend is close to consistent with ice-core results from the nearby ice cap in the central Kamchatka Peninsula.

scholarly journals Glacier Inventories of Iceland: Evaluation and Use of Sources of Data

1986 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 184-191 ◽  
Author(s):  
R.S. Williams
Keyword(s):  
18Th Century ◽  
Satellite Image ◽  
Late Summer ◽  
Field Observations ◽  
Landsat Images ◽  
Rapid Reduction ◽  
Glacier Inventory ◽  
Related Data ◽  
Reduction In Area ◽  
Map Service

All sources of cartographic, aerial photographic, satellite image, and related data, from the 18th century to the present, for the eight geographic groups of Iceland’s glaciers, were evaluated for use in preparing a preliminary inventory of Iceland’s glaciers, based on information requirements of the Temporary Technical Secretariat for World Glacier Inventory. On the basis of an evaluation of all sources of historic and modern data for the Langjökull Group, the 1:50 000 scale U.S. Army Map Service Series C762 maps of Iceland were determined to be the best maps from which to derive information for a preliminary inventory, as long as the limitations of these maps are considered and accommodated. The fluctuations of Langjökull’s principal outlet glaciers on maps and Landsat images were found to be consistent with field observations at the International Hydrological Decade monitoring stations. Accumulation area ratios were calculated from late summer snow lines on 1973 Landsat images of Vatnajökull (0.70), Langjökull (0.78), and Mýrdalsjökull (0.35), Measurements of the area of the now stagnant glacier on Ok showed a rapid reduction in area (68 per cent) between 1910 and 1960, but a decline in rate of wastage since 1960 (73 per cent between 1910 and 1978). From 1910 and 1945 topographic maps, the volume of the glacier on Ok was found to be reduced by 0.62 km3.

Changes in Latvian river discharge regime at the turn of the century

2012 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 554-569 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elga Apsīte ◽  
Ilze Rudlapa ◽  
Inese Latkovska ◽  
Didzis Elferts
Keyword(s):  
River Runoff ◽  
River Discharge ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Hydrological Regime ◽  
Turn Of The Century ◽  
Significant Trend ◽  
Low Flow ◽  
Data Series ◽  
Discharge Data ◽  
Baltic Countries

The study deals with turn-of-the-century changes in the total annual river runoff distribution and high and low flows in Latvia, covering river basins within four hydrological districts which vary according to size and physiographical conditions. Mathematical statistical methods were applied in the analysis of river discharge data series for two study periods of 1951–2009 and 1881–2009. The present results confirm the basic statement concerning the Baltic countries that major significant changes in river runoff during the last two decades have occurred between spring (decrease) and winter (increase) seasons. Mostly insignificant changes in summer runoff and significant/insignificant changes in autumn runoff were found. Analysis shows that a statistically significant trend of increase in low flow for the cold period and a significant trend of decrease in the high discharge and coefficient d of uneven runoff distribution were detected. Changes in river hydrological regime are mainly caused by changes in large-scale atmospheric circulation processes following climate warming, which has taken place. Latvian river hydrography has therefore changed and become more similar to Western European rivers.

The marked flooding tolerance of seedlings of a threatened swamp gum: implications for the restoration of critical wetland forests

2015 ◽  
Vol 63 (8) ◽  
pp. 669 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joe Greet
Keyword(s):  
Hydrological Regime ◽  
Growth Period ◽  
Late Summer ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
Flooding Tolerance ◽  
Wild Populations ◽  
Wetland Forests ◽  
Tree Dieback ◽  
Different Depths ◽  
Leadbeater's Possum

Wetland forests home to the last remaining wild populations of the helmeted honeyeater and lowland Leadbeater’s possum are under threat from tree dieback and a lack of natural regeneration, putatively the result of an altered hydrological regime. To restore these critical wetland forests, a better understanding of the flooding tolerance of the seedlings of the dominant tree species, Eucalyptus camphora subsp. humeana L.A.S.Johnson & K.D.Hill, is essential. I tested the effect of flooding on the establishment and growth of E. camphora seedlings in three nursery-based experiments. These experiments involved E. camphora seedlings of different ages (1, 3, and 8 months old) being subjected to different depths and durations (up to 12 months) of flooding. Eucalyptus camphora seedlings were able to survive and grow while flooded for 12 months as long as they were emergent. However, flooding negatively affected the growth of E. camphora seedlings, with these effects increasing with increasing depth and duration of flooding, and decreasing seedling age. The ability of E. camphora seedlings to survive prolonged shallow flooding is considerable, an ability enabled by its rapid and extensive production of aerenchyma tissue and stem-borne adventitious roots under flooded conditions. Nonetheless, conditions for E. camphora seedling establishment and growth are likely to improve with reduced flooding, with an absence of flooding during its growth period (early spring–late summer) most favourable.

scholarly journals Climatic changes in the Urals over the past millennium – an analysis of geothermal and meteorological data

2007 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 237-242 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Yu. Demezhko ◽  
I. V. Golovanova
Keyword(s):  
20Th Century ◽  
18Th Century ◽  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Ground Surface ◽  
Ice Age ◽  
Temperature History ◽  
Joint Analysis ◽  
The Urals ◽  
The Past ◽  
Mean Temperature

Abstract. This investigation is based on a study of two paleoclimatic curves obtained in the Urals (51–59° N, 58–61° E): i) a ground surface temperature history (GSTH) reconstruction since 800 A.D. and ii) meteorological data for the last 170 years. Temperature anomalies measured in 49 boreholes were used for the GSTH reconstruction. It is shown that a traditional averaging of the histories leads to the lowest estimates of amplitude of past temperature fluctuations. The interval estimates method, accounting separately for the rock's thermal diffusivity variations and the influence of a number of non-climatic causes, was used to obtain the average GSTH. Joint analysis of GSTH and meteorological data bring us to the following conclusions. First, ground surface temperatures in the Medieval maximum during 1100–1200 were 0.4 K higher than the 20th century mean temperature (1900–1960). The Little Ice Age cooling was culminated in 1720 when surface mean temperature was 1.6 K below the 20th century mean temperature. Secondly, contemporary warming began approximately one century prior to the first instrumental measurements in the Urals. The rate of warming was +0.25 K/100 years in the 18th century, +1.15 K/100 years in the 19th and +0.75 K/100 years in the first 80 years of the 20th century. Finally, the mean rate of warming increased in the final decades of 20th century. An analysis of linear regression coefficients in running intervals of 21 and 31 years, shows that there were periods of warming with almost the same rates in the past, including the 19th century.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document