Glaciohydrologic and Glaciohydraulic Effects on Runoff and Sediment Yield in Glacierized Basins

Abstract : Glaciers exert significant control on runoff and sediment yield of partly glacierized basins, such basins being inherently more complex than non- glacierized basins. Glaciohydraulic and glaciohydrologic processes and factors determine the characteristics of runoff and of sediment discharge of rivers draining glacierized catchments. Significant problems develop in predicting both short- and long-term variations in water and sediment discharge because of the complicating effects of these processes and factors. Predictions are necessary for effective management of a basin or watershed's water resources. These processes and factors must therefore be incorporated to improve predictive models of runoff and develop models for sediment yield. In this monograph, the current state of knowledge on the nature of runoff and sediment yield in rivers originating in partly glacierized basins is reviewed and integrated, in particular analyzing the glaciohydrologic and glaciohydraulic processes and factors determining basin characteristics. Current statistical and physical models for predicting runoff and sediment yield in glacierized basins are reviewed and, based upon an assessment of both the state of knowledge and modeling techniques, future research or application of existing knowledge to improve predictions are recommended.