Sediment discharge from alpine glaciers in times of increased melt – an example from the Austrian Alps

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan-Christoph Otto ◽  
Vinzenz Walk ◽  
Erwin Heine ◽  
Markus Keuschnig
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Sediment Dynamics ◽  
Sediment Discharge ◽  
Climate Conditions ◽  
Sediment Budgets ◽  
Lake Formation ◽  
Summer Temperatures ◽  
The Alps ◽  
Ground Penetrating ◽  
Delta Sediments

<p>Glaciated mountains are zones of high sediment dynamics and at the same time very sensitive to climate change. In times of increased summer temperatures and high melt rates have been related to observed increase in sediment dynamics at various locations. However, this response seems to be highly variable also on regional scales indicating that controlling factors have yet not been fully identified and understood. Sediment output from glaciated catchments affects sediment budgets, streamflow ecology and hydropower generation. Data on sediment discharge from proglacial areas in the Alps is scarce. Knowledge on sediment responses to increasing temperatures and changing climates is crucial for river and reservoir management and climate change adaptation.</p><p>We contribute to this debate by quantifying sediment discharge from the Obersulzbachkees glacier, Hohe Tauern, Austria based on recent lake deposition volume. Located at the valley head of the Obersulzbach valley, the glacier experienced rapid degradation within the last 20 years and also showed high rates of sediment discharge. The formerly large single glacier disintegrated into five remaining parts and a large proglacial lake formed. Sediment discharge from these smaller glaciers is captured by the lakes and a huge delta has developed after retreat of ice from the lake. We quantified the lake and delta sediments using ground penetrating radar and sub-bottom profiling and revised our previous estimations by including new data increasing the accuracy of our finding. The Obersulzbachkees retreated by 400-800 m in distance between 1999 and 2019 and lost more than 3 km² of glacier area. Between 2007 and 2019 more than 600,000 m³ of sediments have been deposited within the lake delta only. We discuss sediment discharge from glacier to lake in relation to glacier retreat and climate conditions since lake formation and relate our findings to both changes in the catchment and runoff and sediment output dynamics from the lake.</p>

scholarly journals Expected Changes to Alpine Pastures in Extent and Composition under Future Climate Conditions

Agronomy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 926
Author(s):  
Camilla Dibari ◽  
Sergi Costafreda-Aumedes ◽  
Giovanni Argenti ◽  
Marco Bindi ◽  
Federico Carotenuto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Biodiversity Loss ◽  
Future Climate ◽  
Pastoral Systems ◽  
Pastoral System ◽  
Climate Conditions ◽  
Nardus Stricta ◽  
Livestock Feeding ◽  
The Alps ◽  
The Impact

As the basis of livestock feeding and related performances, pastures evolution and dynamics need to be carefully monitored and assessed, particularly in the Alps where the effects of land abandonment are further amplified by climate change. As such, increases in temperature associated with changes in precipitation patterns and quantity are leading to modifications of grassland extent and composition with consequences on the pastoral systems. This study applied a machine learning approach (Random Forest) and GIS techniques to map the suitability of seven pasture macro types most representative of the Italian Alps and simulated the impact of climate change on their dynamics according to two future scenarios (RCP4.5, 8.5), two time-slices (2011–2040, 2041–2070), and three RCMs (Aladin, CMCC, ICTP). Results indicated that (i) the methodology was robust to map the current suitability of pasture macro types (mean accuracy classification = 98.7%), so as to predict the expected alterations due to climate change; (ii) future climate will likely reduce current extend of suitable pasture (−30% on average) and composition, especially for most niche ecosystems (i.e., pastures dominated by Carex firma and Festuca gr. Rubra); (iii) areas suited to hardier but less palatable pastures (i.e., dominated by Nardus stricta and xeric species) will expand over the Alps in the near future. These impacts will likely determine risks for biodiversity loss and decreases of pastoral values for livestock feeding, both pivotal aspects for maintaining the viability and profitability of the Alpine pastoral system as a whole.

scholarly journals Growth analysis of sweet chestnut burr in two seasons with differing weather conditions

Italus Hortus ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
pp. 31-39
Author(s):  
Giulio Demetrio Perulli ◽  
Luca Corelli Grappadelli ◽  
Giulio Demetrio Morandi ◽  
Alexandra Bresilla
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Management Practice ◽  
Castanea Sativa ◽  
Summer Precipitation ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Final Size ◽  
Climate Conditions ◽  
Sweet Chestnut ◽  
Rainy Weather ◽  
Summer Temperatures

In Italy, most of the traditional sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) orchards are still non-irrigated since they are located in mountain-hill areas with climate conditions that used to be optimal to sustain the vegetative and reproductive growth of this nut tree species. Nowadays, the increase of summer temperatures and the decrease of rainfall (due to climate change) are affecting negatively chestnut physiological performances. The aim of this experiment was to study sweet chestnut burr growth in two seasons, one warm/dry and one mild/rainy (2017 and 2018, respectively). The study was carried out in a traditional rainfed chestnut orchard. The seasonal burr growth was measured weekly from 30 days after full bloom (DAFB) to the beginning of burr valves opening. Air temperature and daily precipitation were measured at a nearby weather station. The results of this study highlighted that chestnut burr growth seems to be affected by seasonal weather conditions. Indeed, in 2017, the high summer temperatures and the moderate rainfall in summer (227 mm) and winter-spring (385 mm) appeared to affect negatively burr absolute growth rate (AGR; 0.31 mm day-1 ) and consequently final burr size (46.2 mm). The mild and rainy weather conditions that occurred in 2018 (663 and 340 mm of winter-spring and summer precipitation, respectively) positively influenced burr AGR (0.54 mm day-1 ) and therefore its final size (60.8 mm). These preliminary results suggest that the introduction of irrigation as a common management practice for chestnut orchards may promote their resilience to climate change with a positive effect on their productivity and fruit quality.

Late-Holocene palaeoenvironmental reconstruction from a lake in the Amazon Rainforest-Tropical Savanna (Cerrado) boundary in Brazil using a multi-proxy approach

The Holocene ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 095968362110190
Author(s):  
Kury Milena Souza ◽  
Moreira Luciane Silva ◽  
Cordeiro Renato Campello ◽  
Sifeddine Abdelfettah ◽  
Turcq Bruno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Late Holocene ◽  
Amazon Region ◽  
Amazon Rainforest ◽  
Oxbow Lake ◽  
Tropical Savanna ◽  
Sedimentary Process ◽  
Climatic Fluctuations ◽  
Climate Conditions ◽  
Depositional Processes ◽  
Lake Formation

As an ecotone, the region between the Amazon Rainforest and Tropical Savanna (Cerrado) biomes is, by definition, more susceptible to climate change. Therefore, understanding palaeoenvironmental dynamics is essential to address the future responses of such transition areas to climatic fluctuations. In this context, we present a new sediment record for the Late-Holocene retrieved from Barro-Preto, currently an oxbow lake located in an ecotone at the southern Brazilian Amazon border. Our multi-proxy data include carbon and nitrogen isotopes, as well as bulk TOC, chlorophyll derivatives, grain-size and microcharcoal analyses, all anchored on a radiocarbon-dated chronology. The sedimentary process recorded at the Barro-Preto Lake responded to both local and regional climate dynamics. It was influenced by river excursions associated to local responses to precipitation changes by the activation of the palaeochannel connecting the main-stem river and the Barro-Preto lake. This activation was evidenced by the presence of different colour lithology laminations accompanied by coarser sediments and also by climate conditions known to influence the Amazon region. Depositional processes linked to lake dynamics and different oxbow lake cycle stages were also important to explain the changes verified in the Barro-Preto record, endorsing the use of this lake formation for palaeoclimatic reconstructions. The record indicated a rising humidity trend, reflected by a progressive increase in lacustrine productivity, in accordance to other studies carried out in the Amazon region concerning the Late-Holocene, associated with a more southward displacement of the Intertropical Convergence Zone. Despite this rising humidity trend, dry episodic events during the Late-Holocene were evidenced by charcoal data, also coherent with regional Amazon studies, albeit exhibiting increased intensity, suggesting that the transitional nature of the environment might have influenced susceptibility to fires.

scholarly journals Disentangling the Legacies of Climate and Management on Tree Growth

Ecosystems ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Marqués ◽  
Drew M. P. Peltier ◽  
J. Julio Camarero ◽  
Miguel A. Zavala ◽  
Jaime Madrigal-González ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Forest Management ◽  
Tree Growth ◽  
European Beech ◽  
Ring Formation ◽  
Silver Fir ◽  
Past Climate ◽  
Climate Conditions ◽  
Ecological Memory ◽  
Historical Forest

AbstractLegacies of past climate conditions and historical management govern forest productivity and tree growth. Understanding how these processes interact and the timescales over which they influence tree growth is critical to assess forest vulnerability to climate change. Yet, few studies address this issue, likely because integrated long-term records of both growth and forest management are uncommon. We applied the stochastic antecedent modelling (SAM) framework to annual tree-ring widths from mixed forests to recover the ecological memory of tree growth. We quantified the effects of antecedent temperature and precipitation up to 4 years preceding the year of ring formation and integrated management effects with records of harvesting intensity from historical forest management archives. The SAM approach uncovered important time periods most influential to growth, typically the warmer and drier months or seasons, but variation among species and sites emerged. Silver fir responded primarily to past climate conditions (25–50 months prior to the year of ring formation), while European beech and Scots pine responded mostly to climate conditions during the year of ring formation and the previous year, although these responses varied among sites. Past management and climate interacted in such a way that harvesting promoted growth in young silver fir under wet and warm conditions and in old European beech under drier and cooler conditions. Our study shows that the ecological memory associated with climate legacies and historical forest management is species-specific and context-dependent, suggesting that both aspects are needed to properly evaluate forest functioning under climate change.

scholarly journals Synergistic impacts of global warming and thermohaline circulation collapse on amphibians

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Julián A. Velasco ◽  
Francisco Estrada ◽  
Oscar Calderón-Bustamante ◽  
Didier Swingedouw ◽  
Carolina Ureta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Global Warming ◽  
Thermohaline Circulation ◽  
Climate Model ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
Extinction Risk ◽  
Meridional Overturning Circulation ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Amphibian Species ◽  
Climate Conditions

AbstractImpacts on ecosystems and biodiversity are a prominent area of research in climate change. However, little is known about the effects of abrupt climate change and climate catastrophes on them. The probability of occurrence of such events is largely unknown but the associated risks could be large enough to influence global climate policy. Amphibians are indicators of ecosystems’ health and particularly sensitive to novel climate conditions. Using state-of-the-art climate model simulations, we present a global assessment of the effects of unabated global warming and a collapse of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) on the distribution of 2509 amphibian species across six biogeographical realms and extinction risk categories. Global warming impacts are severe and strongly enhanced by additional and substantial AMOC weakening, showing tipping point behavior for many amphibian species. Further declines in climatically suitable areas are projected across multiple clades, and biogeographical regions. Species loss in regional assemblages is extensive across regions, with Neotropical, Nearctic and Palearctic regions being most affected. Results underline the need to expand existing knowledge about the consequences of climate catastrophes on human and natural systems to properly assess the risks of unabated warming and the benefits of active mitigation strategies.

scholarly journals The Water Needs of Grapevines in Central Poland

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 416
Author(s):  
Barbara Jagosz ◽  
Stanisław Rolbiecki ◽  
Roman Rolbiecki ◽  
Ariel Łangowski ◽  
Hicran A. Sadan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Temporal Variability ◽  
Time Trend ◽  
Reference Evapotranspiration ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Water Requirements ◽  
Climate Conditions ◽  
Central Poland ◽  
Crop Coefficients ◽  
Near Future

Climate warming increases the water needs of plants. The aim of this study was to estimate the water needs of grapevines in central Poland. Water needs were calculated using the crop coefficients method. Reference evapotranspiration was assessed by the Blaney–Criddle’s equation, modified for climate conditions in Poland. Crop coefficients were assumed according to the Doorenbos and Pruitt method. Water needs were calculated using the data from four meteorological stations. Rainfall deficit with the probability occurrence of normal years, medium dry years, and very dry years was determined by the Ostromęcki’s method. Water needs of grapevines during the average growing season were estimated at 438 mm. Upward time trend in the water needs both in the period of May–October and June–August was estimated. Temporal variability in the water needs was significant for all of the provinces. These changes were mainly impacted by a significant increasing tendency in mean air temperature and less by precipitation totals that did not show a clear changing tendency. Due to climate change, vineyards will require irrigation in the near future. The use of resource-efficient irrigation requires a precise estimate of the grapevines’ water needs. The study identified the water requirements for grapevines in central Poland.

scholarly journals Projections for Mexico’s Tropical Rainforests Considering Ecological Niche and Climate Change

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 119
Author(s):  
Antonio Fidel Santos-Hernández ◽  
Alejandro Ismael Monterroso-Rivas ◽  
Diódoro Granados-Sánchez ◽  
Antonio Villanueva-Morales ◽  
Malinali Santacruz-Carrillo
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Ecological Niche ◽  
Potential Distribution ◽  
Tropical Rainforest ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Climate Change Scenarios ◽  
Climate Conditions ◽  
Tropical Regions ◽  
Temperature And Precipitation ◽  
Ecological Importance

The tropical rainforest is one of the lushest and most important plant communities in Mexico’s tropical regions, yet its potential distribution has not been studied in current and future climate conditions. The aim of this paper was to propose priority areas for conservation based on ecological niche and species distribution modeling of 22 species with the greatest ecological importance at the climax stage. Geographic records were correlated with bioclimatic temperature and precipitation variables using Maxent and Kuenm software for each species. The best Maxent models were chosen based on statistical significance, complexity and predictive power, and current potential distributions were obtained from these models. Future potential distributions were projected with two climate change scenarios: HADGEM2_ES and GFDL_CM3 models and RCP 8.5 W/m2 by 2075–2099. All potential distributions for each scenario were then assembled for further analysis. We found that 14 tropical rainforest species have the potential for distribution in 97.4% of the landscape currently occupied by climax vegetation (0.6% of the country). Both climate change scenarios showed a 3.5% reduction in their potential distribution and possible displacement to higher elevation regions. Areas are proposed for tropical rainforest conservation where suitable bioclimatic conditions are expected to prevail.

scholarly journals The Awareness of and Input into Cultural Heritage Preservation by Urban Planners and Other Municipal Actors in Light of Climate Change

Atmosphere ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 726
Author(s):  
Paul Carroll ◽  
Eeva Aarrevaara
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Cultural Heritage ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Climate Change Impacts ◽  
Town Planning ◽  
Urban Setting ◽  
Heritage Preservation ◽  
Climate Conditions ◽  
The Future ◽  
Cultural Heritage Preservation

Future climate conditions need to be considered in planning for urban areas. As well as considering how new structures would best endure in the future, it is important to take into account factors that contribute to the degradation of cultural heritage buildings in the urban setting. Climate change can cause an increase in structural degradation. In this paper, a review of both what these factors are and how they are addressed by urban planners is presented. A series of inquiries into the topic was carried out on town planning personnel and those involved in cultural heritage preservation in several towns and cities in Finland and in a small number of other European countries. The target group members were asked about observed climate change impacts on cultural heritage, about present steps being taken to protect urban cultural heritage, and also their views were obtained on how climate change impacts will be emphasised in the future in this regard. The results of the inquiry demonstrate that climate change is still considered only in a limited way in urban planning, and more interaction between different bodies, both planning and heritage authorities, as well as current research on climate change impacts, is needed in the field.

scholarly journals Temperature Effects on Electricity and Gas Consumption: Empirical Evidence from Mexico and Projections under Future Climate Conditions

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 305
Author(s):  
W.J. Wouter Botzen ◽  
Tim Nees ◽  
Francisco Estrada
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Electricity Consumption ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Net Energy ◽  
Economic Costs ◽  
Climate Conditions ◽  
Linear Relationships ◽  
Gas Consumption

Fixed effects panel models are used to estimate how the electricity and gas consumption of various sectors and residents relate to temperature in Mexico, while controlling for the effects of income, manufacturing output per capita, electricity and gas prices and household size. We find non-linear relationships between energy consumption and temperature, which are heterogeneous per state. Electricity consumption increases with temperature, and this effect is stronger in warm states. Liquified petroleum gas consumption declines with temperature, and this effect is slightly stronger in cold states. Extrapolations of electricity and gas consumption under a high warming scenario reveal that electricity consumption by the end of the century for Mexico increases by 12%, while gas consumption declines with 10%, resulting in substantial net economic costs of 43 billion pesos per year. The increase in net energy consumption implies greater efforts to comply with the mitigation commitments of Mexico and requires a much faster energy transition and substantial improvements in energy efficiency. The results suggest that challenges posed by climate change also provide important opportunities for advancing social sustainability goals and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This study is part of Mexico’s Sixth National Communication to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

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