Ulrich Kamp

Expanded and Recently Increased Glacier Surging in the Karakoram

Abstract A review of published literature and satellite imagery from the late 1960s onwards has revealed 90 surge-type glaciers in the Karakoram mountains, of which 50 have not previously been described in detail. These glaciers were identified by a number of surface features indicative of surge-type behavior such as looped moraines, rapid terminus advance, strandlines and rapid changes in surface crevassing. These observations indicate that surge-type behavior is more common and widespread than previously believed on Karakoram glaciers. There is strong spatial clustering of the surge-type glaciers, and a doubling in the number of new surges in the 14 years after 1990 (26 surges) than in the 14 years before 1990 (13 surges). This is coincident with a period of increased precipitation and positive glacier mass balance in this region, and supports previous studies which have found that mass balance has an important control on the frequency of glacier surging.

Terrain analysis and data modeling for alpine glacier mapping

Abstract We investigate the utility of object‐oriented data modeling and analysis of the topography for alpine glacier mapping at Nanga Parbat, in northern Pakistan. Results indicate that first‐ and second‐order morphometric parameters can be used to study glacier features and delineate debris‐covered glaciers. Object‐oriented data modeling using a two‐level hierarchy was found to be successful for delineating the Raikot Glacier, although a three‐level hierarchy is required for more detailed glacier mapping. These findings are of special importance to the Global Land Ice Measurements from Space (GLIMS) project, which will use satellite imagery to assess and map the Earths glaciers. Furthermore, hierarchical modeling of the topography may serve to provide a foundation upon which scientists may learn more about the polygenetic nature of topographic evolution.

Glacier velocities across the central Karakoram

Abstract Optical matching of ASTER (Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer) satellite image pairs is used to determine the surface velocities of major glaciers across the central Karakoram. The ASTER images were acquired in 2006 and 2007, and cover a 60×120km region over Baltoro glacier, Pakistan, and areas to the north and west. The surface velocities were compared with differential global position system (GPS) data collected on Baltoro glacier in summer 2005. The ASTER measurements reveal fine details about ice dynamics in this region. For example, glaciers are found to be active over their termini even where they are very heavily debris-covered. The characteristics of several surge-type glaciers were measured, with terminus advances of several hundred meters per year and the displacement of trunk glaciers as surge glaciers pushed into them. This study is the first synthesis of glacier velocities across this region, and provides a baseline against which both past and future changes can be compared.

Geomorphometry of Cerro Sillajhuay (Andes, Chile/Bolivia): Comparison of Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) from ASTER Remote Sensing Data and Contour Maps

Abstract Digital elevation models (DEMs) are increasingly used for visual and mathematical analysis of topography, landscapes and landforms, as well as modeling of surface processes. To accomplish this, the DEM must represent the terrain as accurately as possible, since the accuracy of the DEM determines the reliability of the geomorphometric analysis. For Cerro Sillajhuay in the Andes of Chile/Bolivia two DEMs are compared: one derived from contour maps, the other from a satellite stereo‐pair from the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER). As both DEM procedures produce estimates of elevation, quantative analysis of each DEM was limited. The original ASTER DEM has a horizontal resolution of 30 m and was generated using tie points (TPs) and ground control points (GCPs). It was then resampled to 15 m resolution, the resolution of the VNIR bands. Five parameters were calculated for geomorphometric interpretation: elevation, slope angle, slope aspect, vertical curvature, and tangential curvature. Other calculations include flow lines and solar radiation. Although elevations are too low above 5000 m asl., the ASTER DEM offers reliable results when analyzing the macro‐ and mesorelief, and for mapping at medium scales (1:100,000 to 1:50,000).

Quaternary landscape evolution in the eastern Hindu Kush, Pakistan

Abstract The eastern Hindu Kush in northern Pakistan is among the most dynamically active tectonic and geomorphic areas in the world. During the Quaternary, valley-fill sediments of great thickness have been deposited by glacial, fluvial, eolian and mass-movement processes. Fluvial incision eroded these sediments and formed terraces. Their development was controlled by tectonic and climatic factors, and therefore they record information about the Quaternary landscape evolution and glaciations. Investigations included the mapping of landforms, especially the terraces, and sedimentological analyses on valley-fill deposits. This resulted in a classification with six main types of terraces: morainic, glaciofluvial, fluvial, lacustrine, mass-movement debris, and fan terraces. Tectonic terraces were not recognized, but tectonically influenced sediments have been found near the Shyok Suture Zone. This classification corresponds with results from the nearby Karakoram. Two major Late Pleistocene glaciations are recognized during marine isotopic stage 3 (MIS-3) (Drosh Glacial Stage) and in the MIS-2/Early Holocene (Pret Glacial Stage). Moraines from the Neoglacial (Shandur Glacial Stages I and II) and the Little Ice Age (Barum Glacial Stage I) are located near the contemporary glaciers. During deglaciations, huge terraces were formed: the upper terrace or Broz Fan Formation and the middle terrace or Ayun Fan Formation between the Drosh and Pret Glacial Stages, and the lower terrace or Urghuch Fan Formation after the Pret Glacial Stage. The chronology presented in this paper shows that there was only limited glaciation in the eastern Hindu Kush during the global Last Glacial Maximum (LGM).

Climate Change and Mountain Topographic Evolution in the Central Karakoram, Pakistan

Mountain geodynamics represent highly scale-dependent interactions involving climate, tectonic, and surface processes. The central Karakoram in Pakistan exhibit strong climate–tectonic feedbacks, although the detailed tectonic and topographic responses to climate perturbations need to be systematically explored. This study focuses on understanding climate variations in relation to glacier erosion and relief production. Field data, climate modeling, remote sensing, geomorphometry, geochronology, glaciology, and geomorphological assessment are utilized to characterize climate change and geomorphic response. Climate simulations suggest that the region has experienced significant climate change due to radiative forcing over at least the past million years due to changes in Earths orbital configuration, as well as more temporally rapid climate dynamics related to the El Niño Southern Oscillation. Paleoclimate simulations support geomorphological evidence of multiple glaciations and long-term glacier retreat. Mesoscale relief patterns clearly depict erosion zones that are spatially coincident with high peaks and rapid exhumation. These patterns depict extreme spatial and temporal variability of the influence of glacier erosion in the topographic evolution of the region. Results support the interpretation of high-magnitude glacial erosion as a significant denudational agent in the exhumation of the central Karakoram. Consequently, a strong linkage is seen to occur between global, or at least hemispheric, climate change and the topographic evolution of the Karakoram and the western Himalaya.

Inventory of glaciers in mongolia, derived from landsat imagery from 1989 to 2011

Abstract Glaciers in the Altai Mountains of Mongolia provide an estimated 11% of the total water resources within the country. Yet, their number and area in inconsistent. Using satellite imagery acquired from Landsat 4, 5, and 7, and SRTM digital elevation model (DEM) data, we present here an intuitive, robust, and inexpensive methodology to map the exposed ice of glaciers in the Altai Mountains for the period 1989 to 2011. The total glacierized area was 515 km2 in 1989/1991, 428 km2 in 1998/2001, and 372 km2 in 2010/2011; it decreased by 17% from 1989/1991 to 1998/2001, 13% from 1998/2001 to 2010/2011, and 28% for the entire period 1989/1991 to 2010/2011. In analyzing a sub‐sample of 260 glaciers, 6% advanced, 11% were stable, and 83% receded from 1989 to 2011. The glacier dataset is available to the public free of charge at the Global Land Ice Measurements from Space (GLIMS) website.

Assessment of river habitat in Brandenburg, Germany

Abstract A habitat assessment of 1,707 km of rivers in the Federal State of Brandenburg, Germany, was undertaken using the desk-based ‘overview method’. This method includes the analysis of different sources such as topographic and thematic maps, reports, remote sensing data, and interviews with authorities. It compares actual habitat conditions with natural conditions, and assesses the human disturbances using a seven-step scale. Results show, that in Brandenburg more than 50% of surveyed river units are heavily (class 5) to totally disturbed (class 7) and only slightly more than 20% are undisturbed (class 1) to little disturbed (class 2). Main human disturbances are canalization, bank stabilizations, flood control, migration barriers, and agricultural and urban development in the floodplain. All survey data and maps are embedded in a geographical information system (GIS) that not only allows future analysis and use in river restoration management by experts, but also serves as information for the public. The river habitat map of Brandenburg is part of the river habitat map of the entire Germany.

Quaternary glaciations in the high mountains of northern Pakistan

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews that the high mountains in northern Pakistan, the Hindu Kush, Karakoram, and western Himalayas, are defined in different ways. The geological units differ from the geographical boundaries. The limits follow the major rivers: the Hindu Kush and Kohistam lie west of the Ishkoman, Gilgit, Hunza, and Indus rivers; the Karakoram is found east of the Ishkoman, Gilgit and Hunza rivers as well as north of the Indus fiver; and the western Himalayas lie south and east of the Indus river. Thus, the three mountain ranges meet near Bunji at the confluence of the Indus and Gilgit rivers. Indeed, at this spot stands a monument to the impressive panorama with the three highest mountain ranges on earth all around. The chapter also discusses the influence of orogenesis on Quaternary glaciation. For the Kashmir basin, the actual uplift rates are some 4-10 mm a -1 and for the centre of Nanga Parbat some 5- 10 mm a -1 . Exponential uplift started in the early Miocene, when the Himalayas were under thrust by the Indian Block and the Karakoram by the Asian Crust. However, uplift set in asynchronously: the Kashmir Basin formed earlier than the Peshawar Basin and the Pamir rose earlier than the Karakoram. Assuming an average uplift of 5 mm a l, the Hindu Kush would have risen by some 500 m over the past 100 ka or at a rate of 2.5 mm a a -1 it would have been 250 m, accordingly. Archaeological finds suggest such values, for example, 1500-year-old Buddhist rock paintings have been found in the Indus valley, near Chalt, only a few metres above the recent summer high water level. These rates would imply a recent uplift for the past 1500 years of 7.5 and 3.75 m, respectively, which seems realistic.

Digital Terrain Modeling and Glacier Topographic Characterization

The Earth’s topography results from dynamic interactions involving climate, tectonics, and surface processes. In this chapter our main interest is in describing and illustrating how satellite-derived DEMs (and other DEMs) can be used to derive information about glacier dynamical changes. Along with other data that document changes in glacier area, these approaches can provide useful measurements of, or constraints on glacier volume balance and—with a little more uncertainty related to the density of lost or gained volume—mass balance. Topics covered include: basics on DEM generation using stereo image data (whether airborne or spaceborne), the use of ground control points and available software packages, postprocessing, and DEM dataset fusion; DEM uncertainties and errors, including random errors and biases; various glacier applications including derivation of relevant geomorphometric parameters and modeling of topographic controls on radiation fields; and the important matters of glacier mapping, elevation change, and mass balance assessment. Altimetric data are increasingly important in glacier studies, yet challenges remain with availability of high-quality data, the current lack of standardization for methods for requiring, processing, and representing digital elevation data, and the identification and quantification of DEM error and uncertainty.