Articles | Volume 71, issue 3
https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-71-173-2016
© Author(s) 2016. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-71-173-2016
© Author(s) 2016. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
Standard article
| 
17 Aug 2016
Standard article |
| 17 Aug 2016
Last Glacial Maximum precipitation pattern in the Alps inferred from glacier modelling
Patrick Becker
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Versuchsanstalt für Wasserbau, Hydrologie und Glaziologie, ETH Zürich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
Julien Seguinot
Versuchsanstalt für Wasserbau, Hydrologie und Glaziologie, ETH Zürich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
Guillaume Jouvet
Versuchsanstalt für Wasserbau, Hydrologie und Glaziologie, ETH Zürich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
Martin Funk
Versuchsanstalt für Wasserbau, Hydrologie und Glaziologie, ETH Zürich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
Related authors
Patrick Becker, Martin Funk, Christian Schlüchter, and Kolumban Hutter
Geogr. Helv., 72, 421–442, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-72-421-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-72-421-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
This article studies the ice flow in the Valais region during the last glaciation (Würm) in detail. The numerical modelling shows a discrepancy of the height of the ice cap compared to the geomorphological evidence based on trimlines. However, geomorphological evidence at the Simplon Pass indicating an ice flow from the Rhone valley into the valley of Toce was confirmed. Furthermore it is shown that for this confirmation a sufficient ice thickness is obligatory.
Emmanuele Russo, Jonathan Buzan, Sebastian Lienert, Guillaume Jouvet, Patricio Velasquez Alvarez, Basil Davis, Patrick Ludwig, Fortunat Joos, and Christoph C. Raible
Clim. Past, 20, 449–465, https://doi.org/10.5194/cp-20-449-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/cp-20-449-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We present a series of experiments conducted for the Last Glacial Maximum (~21 ka) over Europe using the regional climate Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF) at convection-permitting resolutions. The model, with new developments better suited to paleo-studies, agrees well with pollen-based climate reconstructions. This agreement is improved when considering different sources of uncertainty. The effect of convection-permitting resolutions is also assessed.
Anja Løkkegaard, Kenneth D. Mankoff, Christian Zdanowicz, Gary D. Clow, Martin P. Lüthi, Samuel H. Doyle, Henrik H. Thomsen, David Fisher, Joel Harper, Andy Aschwanden, Bo M. Vinther, Dorthe Dahl-Jensen, Harry Zekollari, Toby Meierbachtol, Ian McDowell, Neil Humphrey, Anne Solgaard, Nanna B. Karlsson, Shfaqat A. Khan, Benjamin Hills, Robert Law, Bryn Hubbard, Poul Christoffersen, Mylène Jacquemart, Julien Seguinot, Robert S. Fausto, and William T. Colgan
The Cryosphere, 17, 3829–3845, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-3829-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-3829-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
This study presents a database compiling 95 ice temperature profiles from the Greenland ice sheet and peripheral ice caps. Ice viscosity and hence ice flow are highly sensitive to ice temperature. To highlight the value of the database in evaluating ice flow simulations, profiles from the Greenland ice sheet are compared to a modeled temperature field. Reoccurring discrepancies between modeled and observed temperatures provide insight on the difficulties faced when simulating ice temperatures.
Denis Cohen, Guillaume Jouvet, Thomas Zwinger, Angela Landgraf, and Urs H. Fischer
E&G Quaternary Sci. J., 72, 189–201, https://doi.org/10.5194/egqsj-72-189-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/egqsj-72-189-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
During glacial times in Switzerland, glaciers of the Alps excavated valleys in low-lying regions that were later filled with sediment or water. How glaciers eroded these valleys is not well understood because erosion occurred near ice margins where ice moved slowly and was present for short times. Erosion is linked to the speed of ice and to water flowing under it. Here we present a model that estimates the location of water channels beneath the ice and links these locations to zones of erosion.
Adrien Wehrlé, Martin P. Lüthi, Andrea Walter, Guillaume Jouvet, and Andreas Vieli
The Cryosphere, 15, 5659–5674, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-5659-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-5659-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We developed a novel automated method for the detection and the quantification of ocean waves generated by glacier calving. This method was applied to data recorded with a terrestrial radar interferometer at Eqip Sermia, Greenland. Results show a high calving activity at the glacier front sector ending in deep water linked with more frequent meltwater plumes. This suggests that rising subglacial meltwater plumes strongly affect glacier calving in deep water, but weakly in shallow water.
Julien Seguinot and Ian Delaney
Earth Surf. Dynam., 9, 923–935, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-9-923-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-9-923-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Ancient Alpine glaciers have carved a fascinating landscape of piedmont lakes, glacial valleys, and mountain cirques. Using a previous supercomputer simulation of glacier flow, we show that glacier erosion has constantly evolved and moved to different parts of the Alps. Interestingly, larger glaciers do not always cause more rapid erosion. Instead, glacier erosion is modelled to slow down during glacier advance and peak during phases of retreat, such as the one the Earth is currently undergoing.
Sebastian Hellmann, Johanna Kerch, Ilka Weikusat, Andreas Bauder, Melchior Grab, Guillaume Jouvet, Margit Schwikowski, and Hansruedi Maurer
The Cryosphere, 15, 677–694, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-677-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-677-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We analyse the orientation of ice crystals in an Alpine glacier and compare this orientation with the ice flow direction. We found that the crystals orient in the direction of the largest stress which is in the flow direction in the upper parts of the glacier and in the vertical direction for deeper zones of the glacier. The grains cluster around this maximum stress direction, in particular four-point maxima, most likely as a result of recrystallisation under relatively warm conditions.
Eef C. H. van Dongen, Guillaume Jouvet, Shin Sugiyama, Evgeny A. Podolskiy, Martin Funk, Douglas I. Benn, Fabian Lindner, Andreas Bauder, Julien Seguinot, Silvan Leinss, and Fabian Walter
The Cryosphere, 15, 485–500, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-485-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-485-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
The dynamic mass loss of tidewater glaciers is strongly linked to glacier calving. We study calving mechanisms under a thinning regime, based on 5 years of field and remote-sensing data of Bowdoin Glacier. Our data suggest that Bowdoin Glacier ungrounded recently, and its calving behaviour changed from calving due to surface crevasses to buoyancy-induced calving resulting from basal crevasses. This change may be a precursor to glacier retreat.
Guillaume Jouvet, Stefan Röllin, Hans Sahli, José Corcho, Lars Gnägi, Loris Compagno, Dominik Sidler, Margit Schwikowski, Andreas Bauder, and Martin Funk
The Cryosphere, 14, 4233–4251, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-14-4233-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-14-4233-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
We show that plutonium is an effective tracer to identify ice originating from the early 1960s at the surface of a mountain glacier after a long time within the ice flow, giving unique information on the long-term former ice motion. Combined with ice flow modelling, the dating can be extended to the entire glacier, and we show that an airplane which crash-landed on the Gauligletscher in 1946 will likely soon be released from the ice close to the place where pieces have emerged in recent years.
Guillaume Jouvet, Eef van Dongen, Martin P. Lüthi, and Andreas Vieli
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 9, 1–10, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-9-1-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-9-1-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
We report the first-ever in situ measurements of ice flow motion using a remotely controlled drone. We used a quadcopter to land on a highly crevassed area of Eqip Sermia Glacier, Greenland. The drone measured 70 cm of ice displacement over more than 4 h thanks to an accurate onboard GPS. Our study demonstrates that drones have great potential for geoscientists, especially to deploy sensors in hostile environments such as glaciers.
Julien Seguinot, Susan Ivy-Ochs, Guillaume Jouvet, Matthias Huss, Martin Funk, and Frank Preusser
The Cryosphere, 12, 3265–3285, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-12-3265-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-12-3265-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
About 25 000 years ago, Alpine glaciers filled most of the valleys and even extended onto the plains. In this study, with help from traces left by glaciers on the landscape, we use a computer model that contains knowledge of glacier physics based on modern observations of Greenland and Antarctica and laboratory experiments on ice, and one of the fastest computers in the world, to attempt a reconstruction of the evolution of Alpine glaciers through time from 120 000 years ago to today.
Patrick Becker, Martin Funk, Christian Schlüchter, and Kolumban Hutter
Geogr. Helv., 72, 421–442, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-72-421-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-72-421-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
This article studies the ice flow in the Valais region during the last glaciation (Würm) in detail. The numerical modelling shows a discrepancy of the height of the ice cap compared to the geomorphological evidence based on trimlines. However, geomorphological evidence at the Simplon Pass indicating an ice flow from the Rhone valley into the valley of Toce was confirmed. Furthermore it is shown that for this confirmation a sufficient ice thickness is obligatory.
Guillaume Jouvet, Yvo Weidmann, Julien Seguinot, Martin Funk, Takahiro Abe, Daiki Sakakibara, Hakime Seddik, and Shin Sugiyama
The Cryosphere, 11, 911–921, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-11-911-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-11-911-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
In this study, we combine UAV (unmanned aerial vehicles) images taken over the Bowdoin Glacier, north-western Greenland, and a model describing the viscous motion of ice to track the propagation of crevasses responsible for the collapse of large icebergs at the glacier-ocean front (calving). This new technique allows us to explain the systematic calving pattern observed in spring and summer of 2015 and anticipate a possible rapid retreat in the future.
Julien Seguinot, Irina Rogozhina, Arjen P. Stroeven, Martin Margold, and Johan Kleman
The Cryosphere, 10, 639–664, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-10-639-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-10-639-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
We use a numerical model based on approximated ice flow physics and calibrated against field-based evidence to present numerical simulations of multiple advance and retreat phases of the former Cordilleran ice sheet in North America during the last glacial cycle (120 000 to 0 years before present).
J. Seguinot, C. Khroulev, I. Rogozhina, A. P. Stroeven, and Q. Zhang
The Cryosphere, 8, 1087–1103, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-8-1087-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-8-1087-2014, 2014
Related subject area
Physical Geography
Patrimoine géologique et géomorphologique : base pour le géotourisme et la création d'un géoparc UNESCO dans le Dahar (Sud-est tunisien)
Chancen, Herausforderungen und Risiken der Inwertsetzung des regionalen Geo-Erbes: Geotopschutz und Geotourismus im Spannungsfeld unterschiedlichster Interessen
The potential of fragipans in sustaining pearl millet during drought periods in north-central Namibia
The 1513 Monte Crenone rock avalanche: numerical model and geomorphological analysis
Evolution of fluvial environments and history of human settlements on the Ticino river alluvial plain
Schmidt hammer exposure-age dating of periglacial and glacial landforms in the Southern Swiss Alps based on R-value calibration using historical data
Assessing the ecological value of dynamic mountain geomorphosites
Assessing hillslope sediment generation potential by tree throw: a preliminary field study along a small river valley in the Jura Mountains, northwest Switzerland
Glacial lake outburst flood hazard assessment by satellite Earth observation in the Himalayas (Chomolhari area, Bhutan)
Reconstruction and actual trends of landslide activities in Bruust–Haltiwald, Horw, canton of Lucerne, Switzerland
Monitoring the crisis of a rock glacier with repeated UAV surveys
Regional-scale inventory of periglacial moving landforms connected to the torrential network system
Piecing together the Lateglacial advance phases of the Reussgletscher (central Swiss Alps)
A study of the Würm glaciation focused on the Valais region (Alps)
Avalanche fatalities in the European Alps: long-term trends and statistics
Challenges and solutions for long-term permafrost borehole temperature monitoring and data interpretation
Introduction to the special issue of Geographica Helvetica: "Mapping, measuring and modeling in geomorphology"
Methods for detecting channel bed surface changes in a mountain torrent – experiences from the Dorfbach torrent
Risiko des Eintrags von Phosphor in den Hallwilersee durch Bodenerosion
The use of a raindrop aggregate destruction device to evaluate sediment and soil organic carbon transport
Investigation on protalus ramparts in the Swiss Alps
Improvements in 3-D digital mapping for geomorphological and Quaternary geological cartography
Ground temperature variations in a talus slope influenced by permafrost: a comparison of field observations and model simulations
The influence of terracettes on the surface hydrology of steep-sloping and subalpine environments: some preliminary findings
Experimentelle Erkundung von Wildbächen, Murgängen, Hangrutschungen und Steinschlag: Aktuelle Beispiele der WSL
Editorial Publishing physical geography papers in Geographica Helvetica
Implications of climate change on Glacier de la Plaine Morte, Switzerland
Auswirkungen der Klimaänderung auf die schweizerische Wasserkraftnutzung
Topoclimatological case-study of Alpine pastures near the Albula Pass in the eastern Swiss Alps
A spatial and temporal analysis of different periglacial materials by using geoelectrical, seismic and borehole temperature data at Murtèl–Corvatsch, Upper Engadin, Swiss Alps
Emmanuel Reynard, Tarek Ben Fraj, Aziza Ghram Messedi, Hédi Ben Ouezdou, Mohamed Ouaja, and Yves Matthijs
Geogr. Helv., 77, 97–119, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-77-97-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-77-97-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
The study is a geomorphological analysis of Djebel Dahar, in south-eastern Tunisia, carried out as the basis for a UNESCO Global Geopark. We made a synthesis of the geographical, geological and geomorphological context of the area, proposed a delimitation for the future geopark, based on geological and geomorphological characteristics, and established a preliminary list of geosites, indicating their scientific value and their potential for geotourism.
Heidi Megerle, Simon Martin, and Géraldine Regolini
Geogr. Helv., 77, 53–66, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-77-53-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-77-53-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
In the field of regional geo-heritage promotion, this paper presents some opportunities, challenges and risks for geotope protection and geotourism.
Brice Prudat, Wolfgang Fister, Lena Bloemertz, Juliane Krenz, and Nikolaus J. Kuhn
Geogr. Helv., 77, 39–51, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-77-39-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-77-39-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Soil quality depends on water availability for plants. Sandy soils with a poorly permeable layer (fragipan) are considered inept for agriculture. However they are cultivated in Namibia as they secure a minimum harvest during droughts. In order to understand the hydrological influence of fragipans in these soils, soil moisture content was measured. The results illustrate that the combination of sandy topsoil and shallow fragipan has beneficial effects on plant-available water during dry periods.
Alessandro De Pedrini, Christian Ambrosi, and Cristian Scapozza
Geogr. Helv., 77, 21–37, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-77-21-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-77-21-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
The Monte Crenone rock avalanche of 1513 is well known on the southern side of the Alps because in 1515 it generated the largest inundation that has occurred in Switzerland in the Common Era, the Buzza di Biasca. New geological and historical observations allowed the setup of a numerical model of this major event, permitting a better definition of the chain of consequences that affected the alluvial plain of the river Ticino from Biasca to Lake Maggiore between the 16th and the 19th century.
Dorota Czerski, Daphné Giacomazzi, and Cristian Scapozza
Geogr. Helv., 77, 1–20, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-77-1-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-77-1-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
The paper presents the results of recent geoarchaeological studies on the Ticino river alluvial plain. The sedimentological descriptions are combined with archaeological observations and constrained with radiocarbon dating. This approach, together with data from previous research and historical sources, provides an interesting overview of the eveolution of Ticino river morphosedimentary dynamics in relation to human settlements since the Neolithic.
Cristian Scapozza, Chantal Del Siro, Christophe Lambiel, and Christian Ambrosi
Geogr. Helv., 76, 401–423, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-76-401-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-76-401-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Exposure ages make it possible to determine the time of weathering of a rock surface. They can be determined from rebound values measured with the Schmidt hammer and calibrated on surfaces of known age, defined in this study thanks to historical cartography and two mule tracks built in 300 and 1250 CE, which allowed us to reconstruct glacier fluctuations over the last 3 centuries in Val Scaradra and to define the time of deglaciation and rock glacier development in the Splügenpass region.
Jonathan Bussard and Elisa Giaccone
Geogr. Helv., 76, 385–399, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-76-385-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-76-385-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
In mountain environments, active geomorphological processes have a strong influence on plant diversity because they act as renovators for habitats of pioneer species. In this paper, we propose criteria to assess the ecological value of dynamic mountain geomorphosites. We show that the interest of plant communities and the influence of geomorphological processes on plant communities are fundamental criteria for assessing ecological value in an exhaustive and objective way.
Philip Greenwood, Jan Bauer, and Nikolaus J. Kuhn
Geogr. Helv., 76, 319–333, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-76-319-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-76-319-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Soil erosion by wind and water is a commonly recognized phenomenon on agricultural land. Erosion in forests is studied less and generally considered to be limited because of the soil protection by vegetation. However, trees, when toppled because of old age or wind, loosen a considerable amount of soil when their roots are pulled from the ground. In addition, the holes left in the ground act as collectors for water and concentrated runoff, causing significant soil loss on forested slopes.
Cristian Scapozza, Christian Ambrosi, Massimiliano Cannata, and Tazio Strozzi
Geogr. Helv., 74, 125–139, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-74-125-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-74-125-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
A glacial lake outburst flood hazard assessment by satellite Earth observation and numerical modelling was done for the lakes linked to the Thangothang Chhu glacier, Chomolhari area (Bhutan), combining detailed geomorphological mapping, landslide and rock glacier inventories, as well as surface displacements quantified by satellite InSAR. Outburst scenario modelling revealed that only a flood wave can have an impact on the two human settlements located downslope of the glacier.
Philippe Burkhalter, Markus Egli, and Holger Gärtner
Geogr. Helv., 74, 93–103, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-74-93-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-74-93-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
A spatiotemporal reconstruction of slope movements on the edge of Lake Lucerne near the municipality of Horw, canton of Lucerne is presented. The reconstruction was realized by analyzing growth reactions of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and fir (Abies alba Mill.) trees growing on this slope. Results show that the area has been moving at least since 1948. A significant concentration of events was observed between 1990 and 2000 as well as after 2006.
Sebastián Vivero and Christophe Lambiel
Geogr. Helv., 74, 59–69, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-74-59-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-74-59-2019, 2019
Mario Kummert and Reynald Delaloye
Geogr. Helv., 73, 357–371, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-73-357-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-73-357-2018, 2018
Max Boxleitner, Susan Ivy-Ochs, Dagmar Brandova, Marcus Christl, Markus Egli, and Max Maisch
Geogr. Helv., 73, 241–252, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-73-241-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-73-241-2018, 2018
Patrick Becker, Martin Funk, Christian Schlüchter, and Kolumban Hutter
Geogr. Helv., 72, 421–442, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-72-421-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-72-421-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
This article studies the ice flow in the Valais region during the last glaciation (Würm) in detail. The numerical modelling shows a discrepancy of the height of the ice cap compared to the geomorphological evidence based on trimlines. However, geomorphological evidence at the Simplon Pass indicating an ice flow from the Rhone valley into the valley of Toce was confirmed. Furthermore it is shown that for this confirmation a sufficient ice thickness is obligatory.
Frank Techel, Frédéric Jarry, Georg Kronthaler, Susanna Mitterer, Patrick Nairz, Miha Pavšek, Mauro Valt, and Gian Darms
Geogr. Helv., 71, 147–159, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-71-147-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-71-147-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
During the last 45 years, about 100 people lost their lives in avalanches in the European Alps each year. Avalanche fatalities in settlements and on transportation corridors have considerably decreased since the 1970s. In contrast, the number of avalanche fatalities during recreational activities away from avalanche-secured terrain doubled between the 1960s and 1980s and has remained relatively stable since, despite a continuing strong increase in winter backcountry recreational activities.
Rachel Luethi and Marcia Phillips
Geogr. Helv., 71, 121–131, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-71-121-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-71-121-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
Long-term borehole temperature monitoring in mountain permafrost environments is challenging under the hostile conditions reigning there. On the basis of data measured in the SLF borehole network we show situations where ground temperature data should be interpreted with caution. A selection of recently observed problems are discussed, and advantages and possible drawbacks of various solutions including data correction, measurement redundancy or alternate instrumentation are presented.
P. Greenwood, M. Hoelzle, and N. J. Kuhn
Geogr. Helv., 70, 311–313, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-311-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-311-2015, 2015
Short summary
Short summary
Editorial introducing the special issue of Geographica Helvetica: Mapping, Measuring and Modeling in Geomorphology.
C. Willi, C. Graf, Y. Deubelbeiss, and M. Keiler
Geogr. Helv., 70, 265–279, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-265-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-265-2015, 2015
Short summary
Short summary
The erosion of and depositions on channel bed surfaces are instrumental to understanding debris flow processes. We present different methods and highlight their pro and cons. Terrestrial and airborne laser scanning, erosion sensors, cross sections and geomorphological mapping are compared. Two of these approaches are tested and applied in a torrent. The results indicate that the methods are associated with variable temporal and spatial resolution as well as data quality and invested effort.
S. Müller and D. Schaub
Geogr. Helv., 70, 193–198, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-193-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-193-2015, 2015
L. Xiao, Y. Hu, P. Greenwood, and N. J. Kuhn
Geogr. Helv., 70, 167–174, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-167-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-167-2015, 2015
C. Scapozza
Geogr. Helv., 70, 135–139, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-135-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-135-2015, 2015
Short summary
Short summary
In the scientific literature, “protalus ramparts” can designate both a nivo-gravitational landform (also called “pronival ramparts”) and a permafrost-related landform. Thanks to a selection of eight major diagnostic criteria defined from observations carried out in the Swiss Alps, it was highlighted that the structure, ice content and creep dynamics of protalus ramparts are the same as many rock glaciers. Protalus rampart were therefore defined simply as a (small) active talus rock glacier.
C. Ambrosi and C. Scapozza
Geogr. Helv., 70, 121–133, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-121-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-121-2015, 2015
Short summary
Short summary
Some examples of 3-D digital mapping for Quaternary geological and geomorphological cartography are presented in this paper. Examples concern in particular the Quaternary geological cartography around the well-know Flims rockslide area (Graubünden), performed in the framework of the GeoCover project launched by the Swiss Geological Survey, and the landslide and glacial/periglacial landform mapping and inventorying in the southern Swiss Alps (Ticino) for assessing the slope tectonic activity.
B. Staub, A. Marmy, C. Hauck, C. Hilbich, and R. Delaloye
Geogr. Helv., 70, 45–62, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-45-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-45-2015, 2015
P. Greenwood, S. Kuonen, W. Fister, and N. J. Kuhn
Geogr. Helv., 70, 63–73, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-63-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-63-2015, 2015
Short summary
Short summary
Alpine and mountain slopes represent important pathways that link high-altitude grazing areas to meadows and rangelands at lower elevations. Given the acute gradients associated with such environments, we hypothesize that terracettes act as efficient runoff conveyance routes that facilitate the movement of runoff and associated material during erosion events. This hypothesis was partially disproved during a series of rainfall/runoff simulations on a well-developed terracette system, however.
M. Stähli, C. Graf, C. Scheidl, C. R. Wyss, and A. Volkwein
Geogr. Helv., 70, 1–9, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-1-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-1-2015, 2015
M. Hoelzle and E. Reynard
Geogr. Helv., 68, 225–226, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-68-225-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-68-225-2013, 2013
M. Huss, A. Voinesco, and M. Hoelzle
Geogr. Helv., 68, 227–237, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-68-227-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-68-227-2013, 2013
R. Weingartner, B. Schädler, and P. Hänggi
Geogr. Helv., 68, 239–248, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-68-239-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-68-239-2013, 2013
P. Michna, W. Eugster, R. V. Hiller, M. J. Zeeman, and H. Wanner
Geogr. Helv., 68, 249–263, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-68-249-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-68-249-2013, 2013
S. Schneider, S. Daengeli, C. Hauck, and M. Hoelzle
Geogr. Helv., 68, 265–280, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-68-265-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-68-265-2013, 2013
Cited articles
Agassiz, L.: On the polished and striated surfaces of the rocks which form the beds of glaciers in the Alps, Proc. Geol. Soc. London, 321–322, 1838.
Allen, R., Siegert, M. J., and Payne, A. J.: Reconstructing glacier-based climates of LGM Europe and Russia – Part 1: Numerical modelling and validation methods, Clim. Past, 4, 235–248, https://doi.org/10.5194/cp-4-235-2008, 2008a.
Allen, R., Siegert, M. J., and Payne, A. J.: Reconstructing glacier-based climates of LGM Europe and Russia – Part 2: A dataset of LGM precipitation/temperature relations derived from degree-day modelling of palaeo glaciers, Clim. Past, 4, 249–263, https://doi.org/10.5194/cp-4-249-2008, 2008b.
Allen, R., Siegert, M. J., and Payne, A. J.: Reconstructing glacier-based climates of LGM Europe and Russia – Part 3: Comparison with previous climate reconstructions, Clim. Past, 4, 265–280, https://doi.org/10.5194/cp-4-265-2008, 2008c.
Aschwanden, A., Bueler, E., Khroulev, C., and Blatter, H.: An enthalpy formulation for glaciers and ice sheets, J. Glaciol., 58, 441–457, 2012.
Bavec, M., Tulaczyk, S. M., Mahan, S. A., and Stock, G. M.: Late Quaternary glaciation of the Upper Soča River Region (Southern Julian Alps, NW Slovenia), Sediment. Geol., 165, 265–283, 2004.
Bini, A., Buoncristiani, J.-F., Couterrand, S., Ellwanger, D., Felber, M., Florineth, D., Graf, H. R., Keller, O., Kelly, M., Schlüchter, C., and Schoeneich, P.: Die Schweiz während des letzteiszeitlichen Maximums (LGM), Bundesamt für Landestopografie swisstopo, 2009.
Braithwaite, R. J.: Temperature and precipitation climate at the equilibrium-line altitude of glaciers expressed by the degree-day factor for melting snow, J. Glaciol., 54, 437–444, 2008.
Bueler, E., Lingle, C. S., and Kallen-Brown, J.: Fast computation of a viscoelastic deformable Earth model for ice sheet simulation, Ann. Glaciol., 46, 97–105, 2007.
Buoncristiani, J.-F. and Campy, M.: The palaeogeography of the last two glacial episodes in France: the Alps and Jura, Developments in Quaternary Sciences, 2, 101–110, 2004.
Buoncristiani, J.-F. and Campy, M.: Quaternary Glaciations in the French Alps and Jura, Quaternary Glaciations-Extent and Chronology: Part I: Europe, 117–126, 2011.
Calov, R. and Greve, R.: Correspondence: A semi-analytical solution for the positive degree-day model with stochastic temperature variations, J. Glaciol., 51, 173–175, 2005.
Castiglioni, G. B., Biancotti, A., Bondesan, M., Cortemiglia, G. C., Elmi, C., Favero, V., Gasperi, G., Marchetti, G., Orombelli, G., Pellegrini, G. B., and Tellini, C.: Geomorphological map of the Po Plain, Italy, at a scale of 1: 250 000, Earth Surf. Process. Landforms, 24, 1115–1120, 1999.
Coutterand, S., Schoeneich, P., and Nicoud, G.: Le lobe glaciaire lyonnais au maximum würmien glacier du Rhône ou/et glaciers savoyards?, Neige et glace de montagne: Reconstitution, dynamique, pratiques, 11–22, 2009.
de Charpentier, J.: Essai sur les glaciers et sur le terrain erratique du bassin du Rhône, Ducloux, Lausanne, 1841.
Dee, D., Uppala, S., Simmons, A., Berrisford, P., Poli, P., Kobayashi, S., Andrae, U., Balmaseda, M., Balsamo, G., Bauer, P., Bechtold, P., Beljaars, A. C. M., van de Berg, L., Bidlot, J., Bormann, N., Delsol, C., Dragani, R., Fuentes, M., Geer, A. J., Haimberger, L., Healy, S. B., Hersbach, H., Hólm, E. V., Isaksen, L., Kållberg, P., Köhler, M., Matricardi, M., McNally, A. P., Monge-Sanz, B. M., Morcrette, J.-J., Park, B.-K., Peubey, C., de Rosnay, P., Tavolato, C., Thépaut, J.-N., and Vitart, F.: The ERA-Interim reanalysis: Configuration and performance of the data assimilation system, Q. J. Roy. Meteorol. Soc., 137, 553–597, 2011.
Florineth, D.: Surface geometry of the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) in the Southeastern Swiss Alps (Graubünden) and its paleoclimatological significance, Eiszeitalter u. Gegenwart, 48, 23–37, 1998.
Florineth, D. and Schlüchter, C.: Reconstructing the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) ice surface geometry and flowlines in the Central Swiss Alps, Eclogae. Geol. Hel., 91, 391–407, 1998.
Geologische Bundesanstalt, W.: Der Alpenraum zum Höhepunkt der letzten Eiszeit: Rekonstruktion der maximalen Gletscherausbreitung während des Höhepunktes der letzten Eiszeit (Würm) von 26 000 bis 20 000 Jahren vor heute, Verlag der Geologischen Bundesanstalt (GBA), 2013.
Golledge, N. R., Mackintosh, A. N., Anderson, B. M., Buckley, K. M., Doughty, A. M., Barrell, D. J., Denton, G. H., Vandergoes, M. J., Andersen, B. G., and Schaefer, J. M.: Last Glacial Maximum climate in New Zealand inferred from a modelled Southern Alps icefield, Quaternary Sci. Rev., 46, 30–45, 2012.
Greve, R. and Blatter, H.: Dynamics of ice sheets and glaciers, Springer Science & Business Media, 2009.
Haeberli, W. and Penz, U.: An attempt to reconstruct glaciological and climatological characteristics of 18 ka BP Ice Age glaciers in and around the Swiss Alps, Universitäts-Verlag Wagner, 1985.
Heyman, B. M., Heyman, J., Fickert, T., and Harbor, J. M.: Paleo-climate of the central European uplands during the last glacial maximum based on glacier mass-balance modeling, Quaternary Res., 79, 49–54, 2013.
Hijmans, R. J., Cameron, S. E., Parra, J. L., Jones, P. G., and Jarvis, A.: Very high resolution interpolated climate surfaces for global land areas, Int. J. Climatol., 25, 1965–1978, 2005.
Hock, R.: Temperature index melt modelling in mountain areas, J. Hydrol., 282, 104–115, 2003.
Hofer, D., Raible, C. C., Dehnert, A., and Kuhlemann, J.: The impact of different glacial boundary conditions on atmospheric dynamics and precipitation in the North Atlantic region, Clim. Past, 8, 935–949, https://doi.org/10.5194/cp-8-935-2012, 2012.
Hutter, K.: Theoretical glaciology, D. Reidel Publishing Company/Tokyo, Terra Scientific Publishing Company, 1983.
Ivy-Ochs, S.: Glacier variations in the European Alps at the end of the last glaciation, Cuadernos de investigación geográfica, 41, 295–315, 2015.
Ivy-Ochs, S., Kerschner, H., Reuther, A., Preusser, F., Heine, K., Maisch, M., Kubik, P. W., and Schlüchter, C.: Chronology of the last glacial cycle in the European Alps, J. Quaternary Sci., 23, 559–573, 2008.
Jäckli, A.: Die Schweiz zur letzten Eiszeit: Atlas der Schweiz, map 6: Wabern-Bern, Eidg. Landestopographie, 1970.
Jost-Stauffer, M., Coope, G. R., and Schlüchter, C.: Environmental and climatic reconstructions during Marine Oxygen Isotope Stage 3 from Gossau, Swiss Midlands, based on coleopteran assemblages, Boreas, 34, 53–60, 2005.
Kageyama, M., Peyron, O., Pinot, S., Tarasov, P., Guiot, J., Joussaume, S., and Ramstein, G.: The Last Glacial Maximum climate over Europe and western Siberia: a PMIP comparison between models and data, Clim. Dynam., 17, 23–43, 2001.
Keller, O. and Krayss, E.: Der Rhein-Linth-Gletscher im letzten Hochglazial, Vierteljahresschrift der Naturforschenden Gesellschaft in Zürich, 150, 19–32, 2005.
Kelly, J., Buoncristiani, C., and Schlüchter, C.: A reconstruction of the last glacial maximum (LGM) ice surface geometry in the western Swiss Alps and contiguous Alpine regions in Italy and France, Eclogae Geol. Hel., 97, 57–75, 2004.
Lang, H. and Braun, L.: On the information content of air temperature in the context of snow melt estimation, IAHS Publ, 190, 347–354, 1990.
Lingle, C. S. and Clark, J. A.: A numerical model of interactions between a marine ice sheet and the solid earth: Application to a West Antarctic Ice Stream, J. Geophys. Res.-Oceans, 90, 1100–1114, 1985.
Lisiecki, L. E. and Raymo, M. E.: A Pliocene-Pleistocene stack of 57 globally distributed benthic δ18O records, Paleoceanography, 20, 1–17, 2005.
Luetscher, M., Boch, R., Sodemann, H., Spötl, C., Cheng, H., Edwards, R. L., Frisia, S., Hof, F., and Müller, W.: North Atlantic storm track changes during the Last Glacial Maximum recorded by Alpine speleothems, Nature, 5, 2015.
Merz, N., Raible, C. C., and Woollings, T.: North Atlantic eddy-driven jet in interglacial and glacial winter climates, J. Climate, 28, 3977–3997, 2015.
Monegato, G., Ravazzi, C., Donegana, M., Pini, R., Calderoni, G., and Wick, L.: Evidence of a two-fold glacial advance during the last glacial maximum in the Tagliamento end moraine system (eastern Alps), Quaternary Res., 68, 284–302, 2007.
Monjuvent, G. and Nicoud, G.: Interprétation de la déglaciation rhodanienne au Würm, des moraines “internes” à la cuvette lémanique, Bulletin de l'Association Française pour l'Etude du Quaternaire, 25, 129–140, 1988.
Morland, L.: Unconfined Ice-Shelf Flow, in: Dynamics of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, edited by: Veen, C. and Oerlemans, J., Glaciology and Quaternary Geology, 4, 99–116, Springer Netherlands, 1987.
Ohmura, A.: Physical basis for the temperature-based melt-index method, J. Appl. Meteorol., 40, 753–761, 2001.
Ohmura, A., Kasser, P., and Funk, M.: Climate at the equilibrium line of glaciers, J. Glaciol., 38, 397–411, 1992.
Peyron, O., Guiot, J., Cheddadi, R., Tarasov, P., Reille, M., de Beaulieu, J.-L., Bottema, S., and Andrieu, V.: Climatic reconstruction in Europe for 18,000 yr BP from pollen data, Quaternary Res., 49, 183–196, 1998.
Ramstein, G., Kageyama, M., Guiot, J., Wu, H., Hély, C., Krinner, G., and Brewer, S.: How cold was Europe at the Last Glacial Maximum? A synthesis of the progress achieved since the first PMIP model-data comparison, Clim. Past, 3, 331–339, https://doi.org/10.5194/cp-3-331-2007, 2007.
Schoof, C.: A variational approach to ice stream flow, J. Fluid Mech., 556, 227–251, 2006.
Seguinot, J.: Spatial and seasonal effects of temperature variability in a positive degree-day glacier surface mass-balance model, J. Glaciol., 59, 1202–1204, 2013.
Seguinot, J., Rogozhina, I., Stroeven, A. P., Margold, M., and Kleman, J.: Numerical simulations of the Cordilleran ice sheet through the last glacial cycle, The Cryosphere, 10, 639–664, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-10-639-2016, 2016.
Shapiro, N. M. and Ritzwoller, M. H.: Inferring surface heat flux distributions guided by a global seismic model: particular application to Antarctica, Earth Planet. Sci. Lett., 223, 213–224, 2004.
Steinacker, R.: Alpiner Föhn-eine neue Strophe zu einem alten Lied, Promet, 32, 3–10, 2006.
Strandberg, G., Brandefelt, J., Kjellstrom, E., and Smith, B.: High-resolution regional simulation of last glacial maximum climate in Europe, Tellus, 63, 107–125, 2011.
Stucki, M. D. and Schlunegger, F.: Identification of erosional mechanisms during past glaciations based on a bedrock surface model of the central European Alps, Earth Planet. Sci. Lett., 384, 57–70, 2013.
the PISM authors: PISM, a Parallel Ice Sheet Model, available at: http://www.pism-docs.org, 2015.
Tulaczyk, S., Kamb, W. B., and Engelhardt, H. F.: Basal mechanics of ice stream B, West Antarctica: 1. Till mechanics, J. Geophys. Res. B, 105, 463–481, 2000.
van den Broeke, M., Smeets, P., Ettema, J., and Munneke, P. K.: Surface radiation balance in the ablation zone of the west Greenland ice sheet, J. Geophys. Res.-Atmos. (1984–2012), 113, https://doi.org/10.1029/2007JD009283, 2008.
van Husen, D.: Die Ostalpen und ihr Vorland in der letzten Eiszeit (Würm) 1:500.000, Verlag der Geologischen Bundesanstalt Wien, 1987.
van Husen, D.: LGM and late-glacial fluctuations in the Eastern Alps, Quaternary Int., 38–39, 109–118, 1997.
van Husen, D.: Quaternary glaciations in Austria, in: Quaternary Glaciations Extent and Chronology Part I: Europe, edited by: Ehlers, J. and Gibbard, P., vol. 2, Part 1 of Developments in Quaternary Sciences, 1–13, Elsevier, 2004.
Winkelmann, R., Martin, M. A., Haseloff, M., Albrecht, T., Bueler, E., Khroulev, C., and Levermann, A.: The Potsdam Parallel Ice Sheet Model (PISM-PIK) – Part 1: Model description, The Cryosphere, 5, 715–726, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-5-715-2011, 2011.
Wu, H. B., Guiot, J. L., Brewer, S., and Guo, Z. T.: Climatic changes in Eurasia and Africa at the last glacial maximum and mid-Holocene: reconstruction from pollen data using inverse vegetation modelling, Clim. Dynam., 29, 211–229, 2007.
