Fluvial sediment transport and channel morphodynamics in the forefields of glaciers Gepatsch- and Weißseeferner (Ötztal Alps/Tyrol)

• Applicant: Dr. David Morche
• Subject Area: Physical Geography
• Term: from 2011 to 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 209752836

Fluvial systems in proglacial areas are recently in a transient state due to rapid deglaciation in high mountains. Large amounts of sediment are available for fluvial sediment transport in the main channels. The runoff variability of the glacier fed meltwater channels is closely connected to the accumulated sediments in alluvial fans and channel banks. The channel planform changes sometimes rapidly in alluvial reaches. Downstream channel reaches are characterized by step-pool morphology. Investigations on functional dependencies between fluvial sediment transport and river bed morphology as well as planform changes of meltwater channels in the forefields of the glaciers Gepatschferner will provide a better understanding of proglacial fluvial systems. Finally, this project contributes rates of fluvial sediment transport to a holistic sediment budget of all geomorphic processes which will be established within the joint project (PROSA) for the study area.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants