T265 Geologic Research in the Cascades: Understanding Glacier Change, Geologic Hazards, and Mountain Hydrology along an Active Margin in a Changing Climate (Posters)

Wednesday, 25 September 2024
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Hall D

TIME-LAPSE MONITORING OF A SMALL MOUNTAIN GLACIER TO CAPTURE DEBRIS FLOW ACTIVITY

Paper number: T265-12
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Authors

  • Claire Todd Presenting Author
    California State University San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA
  • Jose Jimenez
    California State University San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA

Abstract

South Tahoma Glacier is a 2 km2 glacier in Mount Rainier National Park, WA that has produced 31 known debris flows since 1967, more than any other glacier on Mount Rainier. These geologic hazards threaten infrastructure and human lives along Tahoma Creek, downstream from the glacier terminus. The timing of these events and previous research suggests that debris flows from South Tahoma Glacier are most likely triggered by glacial outburst floods, which result when subglacial water storage increases due to (a) increased melt from a period of high temperatures, or (b) late summer or fall precipitation events. We installed a time lapse camera after a series of destructive debris flows in August 2015, and have monitored the glacier terminus from July - September, 2016 - 2023; we will reinstall a time lapse camera in summer 2024. We combine time lapse imagery with meteorological data, high resolution satellite imagery, and digital elevation models to investigate the relationship between recent debris flows and changes to the glacier terminus and proglacial meltwater channels. Our findings will document precursors to and impacts of debris flows from South Tahoma Glacier.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 56, No. 5

doi: 10.1130/abs/2024AM-405635

© Copyright 2024 The Geological Society of America (GSA), all rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to the author(s) of this abstract to reproduce and distribute it freely, for noncommercial purposes. Permission is hereby granted to any individual scientist to download a single copy of this electronic file and reproduce up to 20 paper copies for noncommercial purposes advancing science and education, including classroom use, providing all reproductions include the complete content shown here, including the author information. All other forms of reproduction and/or transmittal are prohibited without written permission from GSA Copyright Permissions.