Mass Balance Modelling of the Lower Grindelwald Glacier

Mass Balance Modelling of the Lower Grindelwald Glacier
Daniel Steiner, Institute of Geography, University of Berne, Switzerland
Institute of Geography, University of Berne, Physical Geography,
Hallerstrasse 12, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland, e-mail: [email protected]
Introduction
2000
1500
length (meters)
As sensitive reactors to climate variability the data of the fluctuations of Swiss
Alpine glaciers give us important and interesting results for the history of
climate. In contrast to the glacier extent the glacier mass balance is a much
exacter and directer indicator to climatic impacts. Therefore, the
determination of glacier mass dynamics over the last few centuries is of major
importance for understanding past (and future) climatic changes.
In this project it will be the first time that the available data records of the well
documented Lower Grindelwald Glacier will be analysed, evaluated and
compiled to a mass balance history over the last 300-400 years.
1000
500
0
1550
Methods
In a first step a critical interpretation and analysis of the selected data
material, e.g. aerial photos, topographic maps and paintings, is made.
With the aid of different photogrammetric methods a series of digital terrain
models (DTM) over the last few centuries is calculated. By a simple
comparison of the digital DTM’s we obtain a series of numerical terms which
expresses the glacier mass dynamics.
1600
1650
1700
1750
1800
1850
1900
1950
-500
year (AD)
Fig. 1: The length variations of the Lower Grindelwald Glacier
1577-1980, based on the position of 1970 (Zumbühl et al. 1983)
Fig. 5: Summer temperature (JAS) in
Meiringen, 1890-2000 (online data bank of
“MeteoSchweiz”)
Drawings, paintings
17
16
15
14
13
12
1890
1910
1930
1950
1970
1990
year (AD)
precipitation (mm)
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
1915
1935
1955
1975
mass balance variations
18
statistical model
summer temperature (°C)
19
Fig. 4: Digital terrain model (DTM) of the
Lower Grindelwald Glacier, 2000
(derived by a interpretation of aerial
photographs)
Fig. 2: Samuel Birmann: The
Lower Grindelwald Glacier, 1826
Topographic Maps
1995
year (AD)
Fig. 6: Annual precipitation in Grindelwald,
1914-2000 (homogenized data)
The difficulty to use glaciers as climate indicators lies in the complexity of the transfer functions between glacier
mass balance and climate which differ from glacier to glacier.
In a second step a statistical climate-glacier model is calibrated and validated so that the corresponding mass
balance history can be interpreted in terms of meteorological parameters predominantly influencing the glacier
dynamics.
Fig. 3: Wilhelm Jacky: Original
plane-table sheet, 1860/61
References
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Funk, M., Morelli, R., Stahel, W., 1997: Mass balance of Griesgletscher 1961-1994: Different methods of determinations. Zeitschrift für Gletscherkunde und Glazialgeologie, 33 (1), 41-55.
Haeberli, W., 1996: Glacier Fluctuations and Climate Change Detection. Geogr. Fis. Dinam. Quat., 18, 191-199.
Holzhauser, H., Zumbühl, H.J., 1996: To the history of the Lower Grindelwald Glacier during the last 2800 years - palaeosols, fossil wood and historical pictorial records - new results. Z. Geomorph.
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Zumbühl, H.J., Holzhauser, H., 1990: Alpengletscher in der Kleinen Eiszeit. Katalog und 14C-Dokumentation. Ergänzungsband zum Sonderheft «Die Alpen» (3.Quartal, 1988). Geographica
Bernensia, G 31. Geographisches Institut der Universität Bern.
Acknowledgments
This project is funded by the University of Berne and other grants.