Supraglacial ponds regulate runoff from Himalayan debris-covered glaciers

Tristram Irvine-Fynn, Philip R. Porter, Ann Victoria Rowan, Duncan J. Quincey, Morgan Gibson, Jonathan W. Bridge, C. Scott Watson, Neil Glasser

Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolynErthygladolygiad gan gymheiriaid

34 Dyfyniadau (Scopus)
279 Wedi eu Llwytho i Lawr (Pure)

Crynodeb

Meltwater and runoff from glaciers in High Mountain Asia is a vital freshwater resource for one-fifth of the Earth's population. Between 13% and 36% of the region's glacierized areas exhibit surface debris cover and associated supraglacial ponds whose hydrological buffering roles remain unconstrained. We present a high-resolution meltwater hydrograph from the extensively debris-covered Khumbu Glacier, Nepal, spanning a 7 month period in 2014. Supraglacial ponds and accompanying debris cover modulate proglacial discharge by acting as transient and evolving reservoirs. Diurnally, the supraglacial pond system may store >23% of observed mean daily discharge, with mean recession constants ranging from 31 to 108 h. Given projections of increased debris cover and supraglacial pond extent across High Mountain Asia, we conclude that runoff regimes may become progressively buffered by the presence of supraglacial reservoirs. Incorporation of these processes is critical to improve predictions of the region's freshwater resource availability and cascading environmental effects downstream.

Key Points
The monsoon season runoff hydrograph from Khumbu Glacier displays progressive changes in diurnal timing and recession characteristics
We propose that observed hydrological behavior results from seasonal evolution of supraglacial ponds and connections
Predicted expansion of debris-covered areas and pond extents will influence downstream timing, availability, and quality of meltwater in the Himalaya
Iaith wreiddiolSaesneg
Tudalennau (o-i)11,894-11,904
Nifer y tudalennau10
CyfnodolynGeophysical Research Letters
Cyfrol44
Rhif cyhoeddi23
Dyddiad ar-lein cynnar11 Rhag 2017
Dynodwyr Gwrthrych Digidol (DOIs)
StatwsCyhoeddwyd - 16 Rhag 2017

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