Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-927
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-927
14 May 2024
 | 14 May 2024

Seasonal and diurnal freeze-thaw dynamics of a rock glacier and their impacts on mixing and solute transport

Cyprien Louis, Landon J. S. Halloran, and Clément Roques

Abstract. Rock glaciers play a vital role in the hydrological functioning of many alpine catchments. Here, we investigate seasonal and daily freeze-thaw cycles of the previously undocumented Canfinal rock glacier (RG) located in the Val d'Ursé catchment (Bernina Range, Switzerland) and the RG's influence on the dynamics of the hydrogeological system. We combine digital image correlation techniques, geochemical and isotopic analyses, time-series analysis, and hydrological monitoring to understand the functioning of the hydrological system. An acceleration of RG creep since 1990 has occurred, with the most active regions exhibiting horizontal velocities of ~1 m/yr. Distinct geochemical signatures of springs influenced by RG discharge reflect contrasting and temporally-variable groundwater mixing ratios. A novel application of frequency-domain analysis to time-series of air temperature and spring electrical conductivity enables a quantitative understanding of the RG thaw and subsurface flow dynamics. A gradual decrease in time-lag between air temperature maximum and spring EC minimum, caused by dilution from RG ice melt, is observed over the snow-free period, implying progressively shorter residence times. Through our multi-method approach, we develop conceptual models for RG-influenced alpine hydrogeological systems on daily and seasonal time-scales.

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Cyprien Louis, Landon J. S. Halloran, and Clément Roques

Status: final response (author comments only)

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • CC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-927', Giacomo Medici, 23 May 2024
    • AC1: 'Reply on CC1', Landon Halloran, 27 Aug 2024
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-927', Anonymous Referee #1, 13 Jun 2024
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC1', Landon Halloran, 27 Aug 2024
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-927', Anonymous Referee #2, 14 Jun 2024
    • AC3: 'Reply on RC2', Landon Halloran, 27 Aug 2024
Cyprien Louis, Landon J. S. Halloran, and Clément Roques
Cyprien Louis, Landon J. S. Halloran, and Clément Roques

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Short summary
We investigate an undocumented rock glacier (RG) and its role in subsurface hydrological processes in an alpine catchment. We compare aerial photos to calculate the creeping velocity of the RG and measure geochemical parameters of water in springs located below the RG. We also investigate the intensity and time-shift of daily melt and dilution processes in a new way to show how the RG and springs are connected. This study improves our conceptual understanding of RG-groundwater interactions.