Field-Mapping Glacier Extents at Mount Rainier for Hazard Recognition
Project ID: J8W07110010
Federal Agency: National Park Service
Partner Institution: Portland State University
Fiscal Year: 2011
Initial Funding: $44,979
Total Funding: $44,979
Project Type: Technical Assistance
Project Disciplines: Physical
National Park: Mount Rainier National Park
Principal Investigator: Fountain, Andrew
Agreement Technical Representative: Kennard, Paul
Abstract: The National Park Service and Portland State University will collaborate in a field-based project to accurately map the spatial extent and status of the rapidly changing glacial ice on Mount Rainier. In particular, areas of active (moving) ice will be distinguished from stagnant (non-moving) ice, which is of premier importance for hazard planning. In the future, glacier maps can be updated rapidly using remotely sensed data, and avoiding expensive future field efforts. Deliverables will include identifying the true spatial extents of the glaciers, including: rock and debris covered areas (usually not mapped correctly in earlier surveys), and stagnant (versus active, moving) ice. Additionally, the bedrock topography surrounding stagnant ice masses will be characterized, and configurations more prone to producing destructive glacier outburst floods will be noted. One or more peer-reviewed papers are also expected describing field methods, preliminary hazard evaluations, and estimated glacier volumes and changes. This project has several public benefits, including providing valuable information for climate change, regional hydrology (water quantity and quality, and timing), ecologic impacts (particularly on water temperature, channel form, aquatic habitats, and riparian succession), and most importantly, geologic hazard mitigation at Mount Rainier National Park (MORA) to protect people, natural resources, and park infrastructure. The MORA management team will directly use this information to create action plans and other planning documents to ensure visitor safety and maintain or re-establish visitor access on the majority of park roads threatened by imminent, climate-related flooding and debris flows.
Deliverables: