Agua y Cambio Climático 1 glacier melt

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Glacier melt

John M. Reynolds

Reynolds International Ltd, Mold, UK

Changes in glaciers over time

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IPCC (2007)

Andes

Patagonia

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Glacial hazards and climate change

Rural development is increasing into

the high mountains:

• More roads, bridges;

• Mining

• Hydropower

• Communities

• Tourist trails/lodges

→ The vulnerability increases

As climate changes:

• The number of glacial lake systems

increases

• The volume of water stored in lakes

increases

→ The hazard increases

Breach

Houses

Residual lake

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Dig Tsho, Nepal, 1985 (Courtesy of WECS)

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The imminent destruction of the Machupicchu HEP scheme, Peru, 1998.

Net cost to the Peruvian economy ~$200 million over 3 years

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Debris-covered glaciers

Copper mine in Chile

Debris

Water

Glacial hazards and mining

9 Destruction of mine haul roads through ice flow and wash-out, Chile

Glacial hazard management dilemma

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Keep the water reservoir

in the lake

Drain the

potential flood waters

from the lake

Maintain water resource? OR Reduce the Hazard?

Or can we do both?

Hualcán, Peru

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1988

1993

1988

© JMR, 1988

© JMR, 1993

© CP, 1988

Hualcán case history, 11th April 2010

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Photo: C. Portocarrero, April 2010

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Impact of climate change

on glaciers: conclusions

• Generally, glaciers are shrinking in response to climate change,

with implications for future water supplies and usage

• Glacial hazards are growing and changing with time

• Communities, hydropower, infrastructure and mining, etc., are

being adversely affected with significant economic costs

• Hazards can be identified and risks assessed objectively

• Risks can be reduced and resource management improved

through implementation of an integrated strategy

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Thank you

for your attention

Reynolds International Ltd

Unit 17, Mold Business Park

Wrexham Road, Mold, Flintshire, CH7 1XP

Tel: +44-1352-756196; Fax: +44-1352-759353

Email: info@reynolds-international.co.uk

Web: www.reynolds-international.co.uk

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Independent geological & geophysical consultants