Response of selected cascade glaciers (Washington, Oregon) to climatic change in the late twentieth century (1980-1995)
- Valdosta State Univ., GA (United States)
Alpine glaciers of the Washington and Oregon Cascade Range are particularly sensitive indicators of climatic change. Recent maximum size of these glaciers has coincided with periods of explosive volanism (Krakatoa, 1883; Katmai, 1912). Minimum size has resulted from periods of prolonged regional drought (1933-39). The proximity of elevated temperatures in the 80`s decade and the colossal 1991-92 eruption of Mt. Pinatubo (Phillippines) provides a unique opportunity to document resultant efforts of both events on the size, thickness, and terminus positions of Cascade glaciers. Present aerial extents of 1994 and compared with USGS aerial surveys predating the Pinatubo eruptions. Climatic records are examined to determine the extent of localized warming during the pre-eruption period (1977-1991), eruption effects (1991-1994), and present (recovery?). The effects of these local climatic variations are evaluated in light of documented changing glacial dimensions. Observed size modifications may also represent response to insulating rockslide cover, glacial surging, or independent climatic effects of El Nino.
- OSTI ID:
- 61862
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9504143-; ISSN 0147-9369; TRN: 95:003693-0003
- Journal Information:
- Georgia Journal of Science, Vol. 53, Issue 1; Conference: 72. annual meeting of the Georgia Academy of Science, Augusta, GA (United States), 28-29 Apr 1995; Other Information: PBD: 1995
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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