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Glacier melt
John M. Reynolds
Reynolds International Ltd, Mold, UK
Changes in glaciers over time
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IPCC (2007)
Andes
Patagonia
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Glacial hazards and climate change
Rural development is increasing into
the high mountains:
• More roads, bridges;
• Mining
• Hydropower
• Communities
• Tourist trails/lodges
→ The vulnerability increases
As climate changes:
• The number of glacial lake systems
increases
• The volume of water stored in lakes
increases
→ The hazard increases
Breach
Houses
Residual lake
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Dig Tsho, Nepal, 1985 (Courtesy of WECS)
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The imminent destruction of the Machupicchu HEP scheme, Peru, 1998.
Net cost to the Peruvian economy ~$200 million over 3 years
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Debris-covered glaciers
Copper mine in Chile
Debris
Water
Glacial hazards and mining
9 Destruction of mine haul roads through ice flow and wash-out, Chile
Glacial hazard management dilemma
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Keep the water reservoir
in the lake
Drain the
potential flood waters
from the lake
Maintain water resource? OR Reduce the Hazard?
Or can we do both?
Hualcán, Peru
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1988
1993
1988
© JMR, 1988
© JMR, 1993
© CP, 1988
Hualcán case history, 11th April 2010
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Photo: C. Portocarrero, April 2010
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Impact of climate change
on glaciers: conclusions
• Generally, glaciers are shrinking in response to climate change,
with implications for future water supplies and usage
• Glacial hazards are growing and changing with time
• Communities, hydropower, infrastructure and mining, etc., are
being adversely affected with significant economic costs
• Hazards can be identified and risks assessed objectively
• Risks can be reduced and resource management improved
through implementation of an integrated strategy
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Thank you
for your attention
Reynolds International Ltd
Unit 17, Mold Business Park
Wrexham Road, Mold, Flintshire, CH7 1XP
Tel: +44-1352-756196; Fax: +44-1352-759353
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.reynolds-international.co.uk
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Independent geological & geophysical consultants
