Definition, formation and rupture mechanisms of water pockets in alpine glaciers: Insights from an updated inventory for the Swiss Alps
OPEN ACCESS
Loading...
Author / Producer
Date
2025
Publication Type
Journal Article
ETH Bibliography
yes
Citations
Altmetric
OPEN ACCESS
Data
Rights / License
Abstract
The term 'water pocket' describes invisible en- and subglacial water reservoirs that can cause sudden glacial outburst floods. However, there is currently no consensus on its definition and the formation and rupture mechanisms of water pockets remain poorly understood. This study aims to understand the mechanisms behind water pocket outburst floods (WPOFs) from alpine glaciers by analyzing their spatial and temporal distribution, pre-event meteorological conditions and the glacio-geomorphic features of the glaciers from which the floods originate. To this end, we updated an inventory of known WPOFs in the Swiss Alps to 91 events from 37 individual glaciers. Most WPOFs occurred between June and September, likely linked to meltwater input. Meteorological data indicate anomalously high temperatures during the days preceding most events and heavy precipitation on 25% of days for which WPOFs occur, indicating that water pockets typically rupture during periods of high water input. We propose four mechanisms of water pocket formation: temporary subglacial channel blockage (which is the mechanism suggested most often for our inventory), hydraulic barriers, water-filled crevasses and accumulation of liquid water behind barriers of cold ice (thermal barriers). Overall, our analysis highlights the challenge of understanding WPOFs due to the subsurface nature of water pockets, emphasizing the need for field-based research to improve their detection and monitoring.
Permanent link
Publication status
published
External links
Editor
Book title
Journal / series
Volume
71
Pages / Article No.
Publisher
Cambridge University Press
Event
Edition / version
Methods
Software
Geographic location
Date collected
Date created
Subject
glacial outburst floods; natural hazards; glacier hydrology; glacial water pocket
Organisational unit
09599 - Farinotti, Daniel / Farinotti, Daniel
Notes
Funding
212061 - Dangerous and invisible: water pockets in Alpine glaciers (DIWING) (SNF)