Determining the evolution of an alpine glacier drainage system by solving inverse problems

• DOI: 10.1017/jog.2020.116
• Publication Date: 2021-01-22T05:18:23Z
• Authors: Inigo Irarrazaval; Mauro A. Werder; Matthias Huss; Frederic Herman; Gregoire Mariethoz
• Keywords: Drainage system (geomorphology)

Abstract Our understanding of the subglacial drainage system has improved markedly over last decades due to field observations and numerical modelling. However, integrating data into increasingly complex models remain challenging. Here we infer two-dimensional channel networks hydraulic parameters for Gorner Glacier, Switzerland, based on available at five specific times (snapshots) across melt season 2005. The dataset is one most complete available, including borehole water pressure, tracer experiments meteorological variables. Yet, these are still too sparse fully characterize thus, a unique solution neither expected nor desirable. We use geostatistical generator steady-state flow model produce set that consistent with measured pressure tracer-transit times. Field used morphological channels under assumption location persists during season. Results indicate it possible identify locations where more likely. In addition, show different network structures can equally satisfy data, which support stochastic approach unobserved features.