Arctic and Alpine Environments

by: Windy DA (115090700111009)

Case Study on:

1. The Geomorphic and Paleoenvironmental Record in the Sediments of Atlin Lake, Northern British Columbia (R Gilbert et al, 2006) 2. Geomorphological Impact of Climate Change on Alpine Glacial and Periglacial Areas (M Chiarle et al, 2008)

The Geomorphic and Paleoenvironmental Record in the Sediments of Atlin Lake, Northern British Columbia
Robert Gilbert, Joseph R. Desloges, Scott F. Lamoureux, Andrea Serink, Kyle R. Hodder (2006)

INTRODUCTION
Atlin Lake in northern British Columbia and southern Yukon Territory is the largest natural lake in the North American Cordillera (791km2).

PHYSICAL SETTING
Juneau Ice Field and nearby smaller glaciers occupy 619km in the southern portion of the drainage basin where maximum elevations reach 2400m2 a.s.l. Glacial meltwater and sediment dominate the proximal lacustrine environment of its two interconnected arms, Torres ChannelWillison Bay, and Sloko and Llewellyn Inlets. To the north and east, the drainage basin lies in the northwestern portion of the Stikine Plateau.

METHODS

RESULTS: PHYSICAL LIMNOLOGY

RESULTS: ACOUSTIC SURVEY

RESULTS: SEDIMENTARY RECORD

REFERENCE
Gilbert, R. Et al. 2006. The geomorphic and paleoenvironmental record in the sediments of Atlin Lake, northern British Columbia. Elsevier B.V. Geomorphology 79 (2006) 130142

Geomorphological Impact of Climate Change on Alpine Glacial and Periglacial Areas

Marta Chiarle, Giovanni Mortara (2008)

INTRODUCTION
The alpine glacial and periglacial environment is a sensitive indicator of climate change, and is promptly reacting to atmospheric warming. Its sensitiveness is both due to glaciers and permafrost occurrence, and to an air temperature increase in the 20th century in the Alps.

RECENT AND ONGOING GEOMOPHOLOGICAL PROCESSES

Lake Growth at Glacier Margin

Debris Flows

Paraglacial Adjustment of Moraines

High Altitude Rock Falls/ Avalanches

Ice Falls/ Avalanches

Glacier Change

Impacts On Natural Resources And Hazard

REFERENCE
Chiarle, M. Mortara, G. 2008. Geomorphological Impact of Climate Change on Alpine Glacial and Periglacial Areas. Interpraevent. Conference Proceedings, Vol. 2: 111-122