Rock glaciers: vital water reservoirs in times of climate change!

Rock glaciers: vital water reservoirs in times of climate change!

Rock glaciers are of great importance as water reservoirs in Austria, as a current report on the research projects “RGHeavyMetal” and “RGAlpCatch” shows. These projects, which were carried out under the leadership of the University of Graz and with funding from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Climate and Environmental Protection as well as several federal states, provide comprehensive estimates of the amounts of water stored in the rock glaciers. According to Kleine Zeitung, rock glaciers in Austria store a total of around 0.9 km³ of permafrost ice and 0.6 km³ of groundwater.

These amounts of water correspond to 2.2 and 1.4 times the annual drinking water requirement in Austria. The research emphasizes the role of rock glaciers in the country's water balance, particularly in the context of climate change. They act as natural reservoirs and buffers in the Alpine drainage system, which is crucial for the stability of river systems in dry periods.

Long-term storage function

Another important point is that the storage function of the rock glaciers will be maintained in the long term even as temperatures rise, as OTS reports. The melting processes in spring and early summer lead to increased runoff, while deficits can occur in the summer months. Climate change increases the seasonal differences in runoff dynamics and has significant effects on the drinking and industrial water supply in alpine and upstream regions.

The internal structure of rock glaciers also promotes the formation of thermokarst lakes, which can pose potential natural hazards. Measurements have shown that atmospheric inputs of PFAS can also be detected in rock glaciers, although overall pollutant levels remain low. It is therefore necessary to use the results generated by the research projects for an evidence-based approach in water management planning.

Sustainable use of water resources

The study results are not only of interest to the scientific community, but also provide a crucial basis for planning and adapting to the challenges of climate change. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Climate and Environmental Protection is actively committed to the sustainable use of water resources and the protection of Alpine ecosystems in order to secure water supplies over the coming years, as highlighted on the ministry's website BMLUK.

Knowledge about the importance of rock glaciers is becoming increasingly important in order to successfully meet future challenges in water management.