DOCSLIB.ORG

2009 Accumulation Area Ratios and Little Ice Age Equilibrium Line Altitude Depression of Mount Baker Glaciers, Washington State, Usa

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
2009 Accumulation Area Ratios and Little Ice Age Equilibrium Line Altitude Depression of Mount Baker Glaciers, Washington State, Usa 2009 ACCUMULATION AREA RATIOS AND LITTLE ICE AGE EQUILIBRIUM LINE ALTITUDE DEPRESSION OF MOUNT BAKER GLACIERS, WASHINGTON STATE, USA by Courtenay Brown B.Sc. (Environmental Science), University of Ottawa, 2008 THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE in the Department of Earth Sciences Faculty of Science © Courtenay Brown 2011 Simon Fraser University Fall 2011 All rights reserved. However, in accordance with the Copyright Act of Canada, this work may be reproduced, without authorization, under the conditions for "Fair Dealing." Therefore, limited reproduction of this work for the purposes of private study, research, criticism, review and news reporting is likely to be in accordance with the law, particularly if cited appropriately. APPROVAL Name: Courtenay Brown Degree: Master of Science Title of Thesis: 2009 Accumulation Area Ratios and Little Ice Age Equilibrium Line Altitude Depression of Mount Baker glaciers, Washington State, USA Examining Committee: Chair: Dr. Dan Gibson Graduate Program Chair, Department of Earth Sciences _____________________________________________________________ Dr. John J. Clague Senior Supervisor Professor, Department of Earth Sciences _____________________________________________________________ Dr. Brian Menounos Supervisor Associate Professor, University of Northern British Columbia _____________________________________________________________ Dr. Jon L. Riedel Supervisor Geologist, North Cascades National Park _____________________________________________________________ Dr. Kevin M. Scott Supervisor Scientist Emeritus, USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory _____________________________________________________________ Dr. Douglas H. Clark External Examiner Associate Professor, Western Washington University Date Defended/Approved: _____________________________________________________________ ii Partial Copyright Licence ABSTRACT Measurements made from a 2009 NAIP (National Agriculture Imagery Program) orthoimage covering the Mount Baker area indicate that 2009 was a negative mass balance year: On average, the accumulation areas of the glaciers occupied 37 percent of total glacier area at the end of August. An accumulation area of at least 62 percent is required for Mount Baker glaciers to be in equilibrium. Using spreadsheet models, I compared the modern and Little Ice Age glacier thicknesses. During the Little Ice Age, glaciers on Mount Baker were, on average, 1.6 times larger and approximately 20 m thicker than present. The equilibrium line altitudes of these glaciers were, on average, 300 m lower during the maximum Little Ice Age than today. Average ablation season temperatures were about 2.0°C lower at the peak of the Little Ice Age than today, assuming that precipitation was 7 percent greater at that time. Keywords: Glaciers; equilibrium line altitude; accumulation area ratio; balance ratio; Little Ice Age; Mount Baker iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This thesis would not have been possible without the help of many people who know a great deal more than I do and have much more patience. I would like to thank my senior supervisor John Clague for the opportunity to conduct MSc research and for his guidance and encouragement. I also wish to thank the other members of my supervisory committee, Brian Menounos, Jon Riedel, and Kevin Scott, for their advice and their assistance in reviewing and editing my thesis. I extend my gratitude to several earth scientists for their valuable insight and counsel: Gwenn Flowers, Johannes Koch, Antoni Lewkowicz, Mauri Pelto, Brice Rea, and Dave Tucker. I also wish to thank Brian Kelsey, Cooper Quinn, and Nick Roberts for their on-demand tech support, Marit Heideman, Stephen Newman, and Dan Shugar for their assistance in the field, and all the graduate students in the department for their companionship. I also would like to acknowledge the staff and faculty of the Department of Earth Sciences for their valuable support (and sometimes rescue): special thanks to Bonnie, Cindy, Glenda, Matt, Rodney, and Tarja. Finally, I want to thank all of my loved ones for their empathy and for trying to keep me sane (thank you for trying). This research was funded by an NSERC Discovery Grant held by John Clague and a Geological Society of America Graduate Student Research Grant. iv TABLE OF CONTENTS Approval .............................................................................................................. ii Abstract .............................................................................................................. iii Acknowledgements ........................................................................................... iv Table of Contents ............................................................................................... v List of Figures ................................................................................................... vii List of Tables ...................................................................................................... x Chapter 1 Introduction ....................................................................................... 1 Geomorphology and Geology ........................................................................... 2 Late Pleistocene and Holocene Volcanism at Mount Baker ........................... 5 YP tephra ....................................................................................................... 6 Climate and Glaciers on Mount Baker ............................................................... 8 The Little Ice Age ............................................................................................ 13 The Little Ice Age in the Pacific Northwest ................................................... 13 The Little Ice Age at Mount Baker ................................................................ 14 Accuracy of Little Ice Age Chronologies ...................................................... 17 Methods of Palaeo-Equilibrium Line Altitude Reconstruction .......................... 18 The Terminus-Head Altitude Ratio and Accumulation Area Ratio................ 19 The Area-Altitude Method and Balance Ratio .............................................. 22 Selection of Methods for This Research ...................................................... 26 Equilibrium Line Altitude-Based Climate Reconstruction ................................. 26 Chapter 2 2009 Accumulation Area Ratios and Modern Balance Ratios of Mount Baker Glaciers ...................................................................... 30 Abstract.. ......................................................................................................... 30 Introduction ..................................................................................................... 31 Rationale for Study ...................................................................................... 31 Objectives .................................................................................................... 32 Study Area ................................................................................................... 32 Glacier Mass Balance and Equilibrium Line Altitude .................................... 34 Accumulation Area Ratio and Area-Altitude Balance Ratio .......................... 37 Methods.. ........................................................................................................ 38 2009 Equilibrium Line Altitude ..................................................................... 39 Steady-State Parameters ............................................................................. 44 Results… ......................................................................................................... 46 2009 Equilibrium Line Altitude ..................................................................... 46 Steady-State Parameters ............................................................................. 54 Discussion ....................................................................................................... 59 v 2009 Equilibrium Line Altitude ..................................................................... 59 Steady-State Parameters ............................................................................. 68 Conclusions ..................................................................................................... 76 Chapter 3 Little Ice Age Equilibrium Line altitude reconstructions for Mount Baker glaciers ....................................................................................... 79 Abstract.. ......................................................................................................... 79 Introduction ..................................................................................................... 80 Rationale ...................................................................................................... 80 Objectives .................................................................................................... 81 Mount Baker and Its Glaciers ....................................................................... 81 Equilibrium Line Altitude Depression ........................................................... 84 Methods of Equilibrium Line Altitude Reconstruction ................................... 86 Palaeo-Glacier Reconstructions .................................................................. 88 Equilibrium Line Altitude-Based Climate Reconstructions ..........................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Impacts of Climate Change on River Basin Hydrology and Collaborative Adaptation Planning Efforts for the Nooksack River
    Impacts of Climate Change on River Basin Hydrology and Collaborative Adaptation Planning Efforts for the Nooksack River Oliver Grah Water Resources Program Manager Nooksack Indian Tribe Deming, WA Pacific Northwest Tribal Climate Change Network Teleconference April 19, 2017 Nooksack Indian Tribe Climate Change Project Co-Investigators: • Steve Klein, Research Scientist, EPA-ORD • Jezra Beaulieu, Water Resources Specialist, Nooksack Indian Tribe • Robert Mitchell, Professor of Geology, Western Washington University • Christina Bandaragoda, Senior Research Scientist, University of Washington • Treva Coe, Habitat Program Manager, Nooksack Indian Tribe • Mauri Pelto, Glaciologist, Nichols College, MA • Ryan Murphy, Climate Scientist, Point-No Point Council Sources of Funding: • EPA – PPG, NEP • BIA • NWIFC • NPLCC and ATNI • WA Dept. Ecology - NEP Nooksack Indian Tribe Salish Sea Bellingham 13 miles Nooksack Tribe: • 2000 members • 2.2-acre res. • 4000 ac trust • 780,000-ac U and A Attributes of Overall Climate Project: Baseline Monitoring: • Baseline Temperature. • Seasonal temperature sensors. • Year-round temperature sensors. • Discharge, year-round and seasonal. • Turbidity, suspended sediment. • Water oxygen isotope monitoring. • Glacier ablation monitoring. • Water quality monitoring. • Lapse rate studies. • Salmon Habitat Restoration Effectiveness monitoring. Attributes of Overall Climate Project: Modeling: • Climate Change stream temperature modeling. • Glacier ablation modeling. • Modeling of Hydrologic change. • Sediment dynamics
    [Show full text]
  • Climate Driven Retreat of Mount Baker Glaciers and Changing Water Resources
    See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/286029360 Climate Driven Retreat of Mount Baker Glaciers and Changing Water Resources Book · November 2015 CITATIONS READS 5 29 1 author: Mauri Pelto Nichols College 86 PUBLICATIONS 848 CITATIONS SEE PROFILE Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects: North Cascade Glacier Climate Project View project Characterization of glacier-dammed lakes through space and time View project All content following this page was uploaded by Mauri Pelto on 07 January 2017. The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file. Chapter 1 Introduction to Mount Baker and the Nooksack River Watershed 1.1 Mount Baker Glaciers and the Nooksack River Watershed A stratovolcano, Mount Baker is the highest mountain in the North Cascade Range subrange at 3286 m. Mount Baker has the largest contiguous network of glaciers in the range with 12 signifi cant glaciers covering 38.6 km 2 and ranging in elevation from 1320 to 3250 m (Figs. 1.1 and 1.2 ). The Nooksack tribe refers to the mountains as Komo Kulshan, the great white (smoking) watcher. Kulshan watches over the Nooksack River Watershed, and its fl anks are principal water sources for all three branches of this river as well as the Baker River. The Nooksack River consists of the North, South, and Middle Fork which combine near Deming to create the main stem Nooksack River. The Nooksack River empties into Birch Bay near Bellingham, Washington. The Baker River drains into the Skagit River at Concrete, WA.
    [Show full text]
  • Nooksack River Watershed Glacier Monitoring Summary Report 2015
    NOOKSACK RIVER WATERSHED GLACIER MONITORING SUMMARY REPORT 2015 Prepared For: Nooksack Indian Tribe Contributors: Jezra Beaulieu Water Resources Specialist Oliver Grah Water Resources Program Manager December 2015 This project has been funded wholly or in part by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under Assistance Agreements BG-97011803 and PA-J31201-2, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, and the North Pacific Landscape Conservation Commission to the Nooksack Indian Tribe. The contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Environmental Protection Agency, nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use. Contents 1. INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................... 2 2. STUDY AREA .......................................................................................................................................... 4 2.1 Nooksack River Watersheds ............................................................................................................... 4 2.2 The Glaciers of Mount Baker .............................................................................................................. 6 3. METHODS .............................................................................................................................................. 9 3.1 Ablation Measurements ..................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Empowering a Generation of Climbers My First Ascent an Epic Climb of Mt
    WWW.MOUNTAINEERS.ORG SPRING 2018 • VOLUME 112 • NO. 2 MountaineerEXPLORE • LEARN • CONSERVE in this issue: Empowering a Generation of Climbers An Interview with Lynn Hill My First Ascent Becoming Backwoods Barbie An Epic Climb of Mt. Rainier Via the Willis Wall tableofcontents Spring 2018 » Volume 112 » Number 2 Features The Mountaineers enriches lives and communities by helping people explore, conserve, learn about, and enjoy 24 Empowering a Generation of Climbers the lands and waters of the Pacific Northwest and beyond. An Interview with Lynn Hill 26 My First Ascent Becoming Backwoods Barbie 32 An Epic Climb of Mt. Rainier Via the Willis Wall Columns 7 MEMBER HIGHLIGHT Marcey Kosman 8 VOICES HEARD 24 1000 Words: The Worth of a Picture 11 PEAK FITNESS Developing a Personal Program 12 BOOKMARKS Fuel Up on Real Food 14 OUTSIDE INSIGHT A Life of Adventure Education 16 YOUTH OUTSIDE We’ve Got Gear for You 18 SECRET RAINIER 26 Goat Island Mountain 20 TRAIL TALK The Trail Less Traveled 22 CONSERVATION CURRENTS Climbers Wanted: Liberty Bell Needs Help 37 IMPACT GIVING Make the Most of Your Mountaineers Donation 38 RETRO REWIND To Everest and Beyond 41 GLOBAL ADVENTURES The Extreme Fishermen of Portugal’s Rota Vicentina 55 LAST WORD Empowerment 32 Discover The Mountaineers If you are thinking of joining, or have joined and aren’t sure where to star, why not set a date to Meet The Mountaineers? Check the Mountaineer uses: Branching Out section of the magazine for times and locations of CLEAR informational meetings at each of our seven branches. on the cover: Bam Mendiola, AKA “Backwoods Barbie” stands on the top of Mount Rainier.
    [Show full text]
  • Seattle Area Stairways, Pg 27
    WWW.MOUNTAINEERS.ORG JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013 • VOLUME 107 • NO. 1 MountaineerE X P L O R E • L E A R N • C O N S E R V E CONDITIONING CLOSE TO HOME Inside: Glacier study report, pg. 8 Train locally for distant ice: pg. 21 Banff premiers Mountaineer’s film, pg. 23 Seattle area stairways, pg 27 Get outside! See our mini-guide to upcoming courses, pg. 12 inside Jan/Feb 2013 » Volume 107 » Number 1 6 Program centers Enriching the community by helping people Bringing skills and learning close to home explore, conserve, learn about, and enjoy the lands and waters of the Pacific Northwest. 7 Step into the fresh-air gym Your conditioning equipment is just outside your door 19 12 Get outside with The Mountaineers A mini-guide to winter and spring courses 19 Chad Kellogg pays a visit Renowned climber talks about conditioning 23 Mountaineer’s film taking off “K2: Siren of the Himalayas” gets Banff premier 8 conservation currents North Cascades Glacier Climate Project 10 reachING OUT 22 Teaching kids about the outdoors where they live 22 cliffnotes Joshua Tree just the thing for winter and spring 27 bookMARkS Stairway Walks: first guidebook of its kind in Seattle 28 GOING global A chance to see new places at a good value 30 mountaineers business directory 23 Learn about services provided by Mountaineers 32 branchING OUT See what’s going on from branch to branch 47 last worD Jim Whittaker on “Achievements” the Mountaineer uses . DIscOVER THE MOUntaINEERS If you are thinking of joining—or have joined and aren’t sure where to start—why not attend an information meeting? Check the Branching Out section of the magazine (page 32) for times and locations for each of our seven branches.
    [Show full text]
  • Characterizing Surface Deformation from 1981 to 2007 on Mount Baker Volcano, Washington
    Western Washington University Western CEDAR WWU Graduate School Collection WWU Graduate and Undergraduate Scholarship Spring 2008 Characterizing Surface Deformation from 1981 to 2007 on Mount Baker Volcano, Washington Brendan E. Hodge Western Washington University, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://cedar.wwu.edu/wwuet Part of the Geology Commons Recommended Citation Hodge, Brendan E., "Characterizing Surface Deformation from 1981 to 2007 on Mount Baker Volcano, Washington" (2008). WWU Graduate School Collection. 666. https://cedar.wwu.edu/wwuet/666 This Masters Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the WWU Graduate and Undergraduate Scholarship at Western CEDAR. It has been accepted for inclusion in WWU Graduate School Collection by an authorized administrator of Western CEDAR. For more information, please contact [email protected]. CHARACTERIZING SURFACE DEFORMATION FROM 1981 TO 2007 ON MOUNT BAKER VOLCANO, WASHINGTON BY BRENDAN E. HODGE Accepted in Partial Completion of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Science Moheb A. Ghali, Dean of the Graduate School Dr. Pete Sfelling MASTER’S THESIS In presenting this thesis in partial fulfillment of the requirements for a master’s degree at Western Washington University, I agree that the Library shall make its copies freely available for inspection. I further agree that copying of this thesis in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this thesis for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without my written permission. MASTER’S THESIS In presenting this thesis in partial fulfillment of the requirements for a master’s degree at Western Washington University, I grant to Western Washington University the non-exclusive royalty-free right to archive, reproduce, distribute, and display the thesis in any and all forms, including electronic format, via any digital library mechanisms maintained by WWU.
    [Show full text]
  • 06 M. Pelto and C. Brown. Mass Balance Loss of Mount Baker, Washington, Glaciers 1990-2010
    68th EASTERN SNOW CONFERENCE McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada 2011 Mass Balance Loss of Mount Baker, Washington, glaciers 1990−2010 MAURI PELTO1 AND COURTENAY BROWN2 ABSTRACT Mount Baker, North Cascades, WA, has a current glaciated area of 38.6 km2. From 1984-2010 the North Cascade Glacier Climate Project has monitored the annual balance (ba), accumulation area ratio (AAR), terminus behavior and longitudinal profiles of Mount Baker glaciers. The ba has been assessed on Rainbow Glacier 1984-2010, and from 1990-2010 on Sholes and Easton Glacier, averaging -0.52 m.w.e a-1(ma-1) on Rainbow, Easton and Sholes Glacier from 1990-2010. Terminus observations 1984-2009 on nine principal Mount Baker glaciers indicate retreat ranged from 240 m to 520 m, mean 370 m, or 14 ma-1. The AAR is the percentage of a glacier in the accumulation zone at the end of the melt season. AAR observations on Rainbow, Sholes and Easton Glacier 1990-2010 indicate a mean AAR of 0.55, and a steady state AAR of 0.65. Plotting the annual AAR and ba provides an AAR-ba relationship for the three glaciers yielding a mean ba of -0.55 ma-1 for the 1990-2010 period, 0.03 m/a higher than the measured mean annual balance. A comparison of ba and AAR on these three glaciers yields a relationship that is used in combination with AAR observations made on all Mount Baker glaciers during seven years to assess Mount Baker glacier mass balance. The mean ba based on the AAR-ba relationship for the entire mountain for the 1990-2010 period is assessed at -0.57 ma-1.
    [Show full text]
  • Glacial and Geothermal Dynamics in Sherman Crater, Mount Baker, Washington
    Western Washington University Western CEDAR WWU Graduate School Collection WWU Graduate and Undergraduate Scholarship 2011 Glacial and geothermal dynamics in Sherman Crater, Mount Baker, Washington Melissa Park Western Washington University Follow this and additional works at: https://cedar.wwu.edu/wwuet Part of the Geology Commons Recommended Citation Park, Melissa, "Glacial and geothermal dynamics in Sherman Crater, Mount Baker, Washington" (2011). WWU Graduate School Collection. 139. https://cedar.wwu.edu/wwuet/139 This Masters Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the WWU Graduate and Undergraduate Scholarship at Western CEDAR. It has been accepted for inclusion in WWU Graduate School Collection by an authorized administrator of Western CEDAR. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Glacial and geothermal dynamics in Sherman Crater, Mount Baker, Washington By Melissa Park Accepted in Partial Completion Of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Science ________________________ Moheb A. Ghali, Dean of the Graduate School ADVISORY COMMITTEE ________________________ Chair, Dr. Douglas H. Clark ________________________ Dr. Jackie Caplan-Auerbach ________________________ Dr. Bernard Housen MASTER’S THESIS In presenting this thesis in partial fulfillment of the requirements for a master’s degree at Western Washington University, I grant to Western Washington University the non‐exclusive royalty‐free right to archive, reproduce, distribute, and display the thesis in any and all forms, including electronic format, via any digital library mechanisms maintained by WWU. I represent and warrant this is my original work, and does not infringe or violate any rights of others. I warrant that I have obtained written permissions from the owner of any third party copyrighted material included in these files.
    [Show full text]
  • Summer-Fall 2013
    THE WILD CASCADES THE JOURNAL OF THE NORTH CASCADES CONSERVATION COUNCIL SUMMER/FALL 2013 visit www.northcascades.org • ncascadesconservation.blogspot.com THE WILD CASCADES • Summer/Fall 2013 1 THe North CascadeS Conservation CounciL was THE WILD CASCADES Summer/Fall 2013 formed in 1957 “To protect and preserve the North Cascades’ scenic, In This Issue scientific, recreational, educational, and wilderness values.” Continuing 3 President’s report — Karl Forsgaard this mission, NCCC keeps government 4 Alpine Lakes Wilderness Bill gets House hearing, DelBene tours officials, environmental organiza- Middle Fork tions, and the general public informed Updates about issues affecting the Greater 5 Pollution Control Hearings Board agrees: flow should not be North Cascades Ecosystem. Action is reduced at Similkameen Falls pursued through administrative, legal, 6 NCCC Actions, June–September 2013 and public participation channels to 8 State enacts HB1632, a bad ATV law — Karl Forsgaard protect the lands, waters, plants and Fisher reintroduction announced wildlife. 9 NCCC co-founder and board chairman Patrick Goldsworthy dies Over the past half century NCCC NCCC challenges motocross decision has led or participated in campaigns Native vegetation service projects continue long NCCC tradition to create the North Cascades National 10 The Sustainable Roads Project — Ed Henderson Park Complex, Glacier Peak Wilder- 11 What are logging roads made of? — Rick McGuire ness, and other units of the National 12 State funds Yakima Plan “early action items” — Karl Forsgaard Wilderness System from the W.O. 15 State purchase of Teanaway lands raises disturbing questions Douglas Wilderness north to the — Rick McGuire Alpine Lakes Wilderness, the Henry M. 17 NCCC, coalition address concerns around proposed Skykomish Jackson Wilderness, the Chelan-Saw- Geothermal Consent to Lease tooth Wilderness, the Wild Sky Wil- 18 North Cascade Glacier Climate Project 2013: 30th annual field derness and others.
    [Show full text]
  • Lcnra Eis Decision Expected in June
    The Wild Cascades THE JOURNAL OF THE NORTH CASCADES CONSERVATION COUNCIL SPRING 1995 LCNRA EIS DECISION EXPECTED IN JUNE The Wild Cascades-Spring 1995 The North Cascades Conservation Council was formed in 1957 "To In This Issue protect and preserve the North Cas­ cades' scenic, scientific, recreational, educational, and wilderness values."* The President's Report Continuing this mission, NCCC 3 keeps government officials, environ­ mental organizations, and the gen­ News Update eral public informed about issues 4 affecting the Greater North Cas­ cades Ecosystem. Action is pursued through legislative, legal, and pub­ 11 International Park: A Plot? lic participation channels to protect - Kevin Herrick the lands, waters, plants and wild­ life. Mountain Loop Highway 13 Over the past third of a century the - Rick McGuire NCCC has led or participated in cam­ paigns to create the North Cascades Land Trusts National Park Complex, Glacier 14 - Phil Zalesky and Carolyn McConnell Peak Wilderness, and other units of the National Wilderness System North Cascades Glaciers Retreat from the W.O. Douglas Wilderness 17 north to the Alpine Lakes Wilder­ -' Mauri S. Pelto ness, the Heniy M. Jackson Wilder­ Letters ness, the Chelan-Sawtooth Wilder­ 23 ness and others. Among its most dra­ - Letters to NCCC and Response matic victories has been working with British Columbia allies to block the raising of Ross Dam, which would have drowned Big Beaver Valley. • Membership • The NCCC is supported by member dues and private donations. These support pub­ lication of The Wild Cascades and lobbying activities. (NCCC is a non-tax-deductible 501(c)4 organization.) Membership dues for one year are: $10 - low income/student; $20 Cover: Luna Cirque and the Pickets - regular; $25 - family; $50.00 - Contribut­ - Walt Sellers Photo ing; $100 - patron; $1000 - sustaining.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 Glacier Change in the North Cascades, Washington: 1900-2009
    Glacier Change in the North Cascades, Washington: 1900-2009 by Kristina Amanda Dick A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Geography Thesis Committee: Andrew G. Fountain, Chair Heejun Chang Martin Lafrenz Portland State University 2013 1 Abstract Glaciers respond to local climate changes making them important indicators of regional climate change. The North Cascades region of Washington is the most glaciated region in the lower-48 states with approximately 25% of all glaciers and 40% of the total ice-covered area. While there are many on- going investigations of specific glaciers, little research has addressed the entire glacier cover of the region. A reference inventory of glaciers was derived from a comparison of two different inventories dating to about 1958. The different inventories agree within 93% of total number of glaciers and 94% of total ice- covered area. To quantify glacier change over the past century aerial photographs, topographic maps, and geologic maps were used. In ~1900 total area was about 533.89 ± 22.77 km 2 and by 2009 the area was reduced by -56% ± 3% to 236.20 ± 12.60 km 2. Most of that change occurred in the first half of the 20 th century, between 1900 and 1958, -245.59 ± 25.97 km2 (-46% ± 5%) was lost, followed by a period of stability/growth in mid-century (-1% ± 3% from 1958- 1990) then decline since the 1990s (-9% ± 3% from 1990-2009). The century- scale loss is associated with increasing regional temperatures warming in winter and summer; precipitation shows no trend.
    [Show full text]
  • Late Pleistocene Glacial and Environmental History of the Skagit Valley, Washington and British Columbia
    LATE PLEISTOCENE GLACIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HISTORY OF THE SKAGIT VALLEY, WASHINGTON AND BRITISH COLUMBIA by Jon L. Riedel B.Sc. (Geography and Biology), University ofWisconsin - LaCrosse, 1982 M.Sc. (Geography), University of Wisconsin - Madison, 1987 Licensed Geologist, State ofWashington, since 1998 THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY In the Department of Earth Sciences © Jon L. Riedel 2007 SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY Summer 2007 All rights reserved. This work may not be reproduced in whole or in part, by photocopy or other means, without permission ofthe author. Approval Name: Jon L. Riedel Degree: Doctor ofPhilosophy Title ofThesis: Late Pleistocene Glacial and Environmental History of Skagit Valley, Washington and British Columbia Examining Committee: Chair: Dr. John J. Clague Senior Supervisor Dr. Brent C. Ward Supervisor Dr. Ralph A. Haugerud Supervisor Dr. Rolph Mathewes Internal Examiner Dr. Douglas Clark External Exam iner Date Defended/Approved: II SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY LIBRARY Declaration of Partial Copyright Licence The author, whose copyright is declared on the title page of this work, has granted to Simon Fraser University the right to lend this thesis, project or extended essay to users of the Simon Fraser University Library, and to make partial or single copies only for such users or in response to a request from the library of any other university, or other educational institution, on its own behalf or for one of its users. The author has further granted permission to Simon Fraser University to keep or make a digital copy for use in its circulating collection (currently available to the public at the "Institutional Repository" link of the SFU Library website <www.lib.sfu.ca> at: <http://ir.lib.sfu.ca/handle/1892/112>) and, without changing the content, to translate the thesis/project or extended essays, if technically possible, to any medium or format for the purpose of preservation of the digital work.
    [Show full text]