1099-1530/asset/olbannerleft.gif?v=1&s=dc553d6fb8d5a8515bb4571af6c4e9d92524bb0e)
1099-1530/asset/olbannerright.gif?v=1&s=56c28caac180c3b0bba751656a0f03cf79e4dde7)
Research Article
Hydrological and geomorphological significance of rock glaciers in the dry Andes, Chile (27°–33°S)
Article first published online: 29 DEC 2009
DOI: 10.1002/ppp.669
Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
1099-1530/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=f898cd78f05cfbad7e6ca46f7ec1587b1af13b43 "Permafrost and Periglacial Processes")
Additional Information
How to Cite
Azócar, G. F. and Brenning, A. (2010), Hydrological and geomorphological significance of rock glaciers in the dry Andes, Chile (27°–33°S). Permafrost and Periglacial Processes, 21: 42–53. doi: 10.1002/ppp.669
Publication History
- Issue published online: 22 FEB 2010
- Article first published online: 29 DEC 2009
- Manuscript Accepted: 27 SEP 2009
- Manuscript Revised: 17 SEP 2009
- Manuscript Received: 27 DEC 2008
Funded by
- Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
- NSERC Discovery Grant
- Abstract
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- rock glacier;
- Andes;
- water equivalent;
- denudation rate;
- statistical estimation;
- Chile;
- surface lowering
Abstract
The latitudinal-altitudinal distribution of rock glaciers in the dry Chilean Andes between 27° and 33°S was analysed and their hydrological and geomorphological significance evaluated. Statistical estimation techniques were used based on digital elevation models and air photo interpretation, and sediment budget models were applied to assess surface-lowering rates. The estimated specific density of rock glaciers in the study area is 1.4 per cent, which corresponds to 147.5 km2 and a water equivalent of 2.37 km3. A comparison with glacier water equivalents derived from revised glacier inventory data shows that rock glaciers are more significant stores of frozen water than glaciers between 29° and 32°S. The latitudinal-altitudinal distribution of rock glacier limits roughly follows the mean annual air 0°C isotherm, but in the southern part of the study area it extends into elevations where modern regional mean annual air temperatures exceed 0°C. High Andean surface-lowering rates inferred from rock glacier sediment budget models are in the order of 0.6–0.7 mm yr−1, which is comparable to previous results from the dry Chilean Andes, but lower than in the more humid Andes further south. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.