1. Modeling Runoff from the Inylchek glaciers and Filling of Ice-Dammed Lake Merzbacher, Central Tian Shan.
- Author
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Mayr, Elisabeth, Juen, Martin, Mayer, Christoph, Usubaliev, Ryskul, and Hagg, Wilfried
- Subjects
RUNOFF ,GLACIERS ,MELTING ,EMPIRICAL research ,DATA analysis - Abstract
We developed a spatially distributed conceptual melt and runoff model able to cope with debris covered glacier parts. Subdebris melt was calculated based on empirical equations derived from field observations. The model was applied at the Inylchek glaciers. While runoff from Southern Inylchek flows directly into Inylchek River, runoff from Northern Inylchek is blocked by Southern Inylchek and forms Lake Merzbacher. This lake is drained frequently by outburst floods. To calibrate the model, a multi-algorithm, genetically adaptive multi-objective method ( AMALGAM) was used. Daily runoff observations from Inylchek River as well as glacier mass balance gradients from other glaciers in the Tian Shan were used as objective functions in three split samples. Runoff simulations yielded Nash- Sutcliffe coefficients mostly higher than 0.9, and the mass balance gradients were simulated in an acceptable range. The results of the different split samples vary considerably. Considering the used objective functions and additional data such as the equilibrium line altitude, we chose the most promising parameter set to calculate the filling of Lake Merzbacher. This analysis indicated answers to several questions concerning the hydrological system of the lake. Apart from calving at the ice dam formed by Southern Inylchek glacier, the lake seemed so be filled predominantly by meltwater from Northern Inylchek glacier. The lake has a permanent runoff, also during the filling process. After the outburst, the channels seemed to be closed quickly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2014
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