Characterizing Groundwater Flow Dynamics and Storage Capacity in an Active Rock Glacier

Alpine aquifers are essential for maintaining base flow in downstream rivers and controlling flood propagation in mountainous areas. This thesis investigates the hydrogeology and internal structure of the Innere Ölgrube rock glacier in the Ötztal Alps, which is affected by permafrost degradation. A 3D geometrical model is created to understand its hydrological behavior and groundwater recharge. The study estimates hydraulic properties and quantifies groundwater recharge fluxes, providing a basis for future numerical groundwater flow models.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 158 pages
Publication date: 08 March 2022
Publisher: Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden

Alpine aquifers are essential in the hydrology of mountainous regions, as they sustain base flow in downstream rivers during dry periods and mitigate flood propagation after heavy precipitation events. However, the impact of climate change on alpine catchments is significant, with glaciers and permafrost thawing leading to altered climatic and meteorological boundary conditions and a modified hydraulic response. Rock glaciers, due to their prominent groundwater storage and complex drainage characteristics, exert a controlling influence on catchment response.

This thesis focuses on the hydrogeology and internal structure of the active rock glacier Innere Ölgrube (Ötztal Alps), which governs catchment runoff and is affected by permafrost degradation. A 3D geometrical model of the glacier's internal structure is obtained by combining geophysical data and permafrost creep modeling. Available data and new results are integrated into a conceptual hydrogeological model, providing a solid basis for the implementation of a prospective numerical groundwater flow model.

Hydraulic properties of the hydrostratigraphic units composing the rock glacier are estimated, and groundwater recharge fluxes are quantified. Fundamental properties of the heterogeneous groundwater flow system within the rock glacier are discussed and compared to existing rock glacier studies.

In conclusion, alpine aquifers are crucial in maintaining the hydrology of mountainous regions, and the impact of climate change on these catchments is significant. Rock glaciers, due to their unique characteristics, play a vital role in regulating catchment response. This thesis contributes to our understanding of the hydrogeology and internal structure of rock glaciers, providing valuable insights for future modeling and management efforts.

Weight: 239g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783658370725
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022