Please note that this session was withdrawn and is no longer available in the respective programme. This withdrawal might have been the result of a merge with another session.
CR4.4 | Evolution of debris-covered glaciers in a warming climate
EDI
Evolution of debris-covered glaciers in a warming climate
Convener: Tom Holt | Co-conveners: Marie BusfieldECSECS, Matt Westoby, Morgan JonesECSECS, Neil Glasser
Approximately 7% of the world’s mountain glacier area is covered by supraglacial debris. Whilst the effect of this debris mantle on glacier mass balance is well understood, the mechanisms by which debris enters the glacier system, and the rates at which this occurs, are poor constrained. Furthermore, only a small number of studies have attempted to quantify debris-cover evolution in a warming climate, despite debris-covered glaciers being recognised as key contributors to local and regional hydrology and glacier-related hazards.

This session aims to bring together sedimentologists, geologists, geomorphologists, numerical modellers, climatologists, and process glaciologists to promote knowledge exchange in debris-covered glacier and supraglacial debris research, with a focus on how debris-covered glaciers form and evolve in our changing climate. We seek talks and posters covering a broad range of themes that advance understanding of debris-covered glaciers, including, but not limited to i) debris sources in mountainous glacial environments, ii) debris transport pathways and sediment dynamics, iii) long-term evolution of debris cover and debris thickness, and iv) consequences of debris-cover change on glacial processes. We encourage submissions that utilise remote sensing, field observations and/or numerical modelling, those from a range of high-mountain environments, and which explore both contemporary and palaeo-glacial settings.