Accumulation rates and snow redistribution processes at the Ice chapel, Berchtesgaden Alps

摘要

In this study the high accumulation rates at the foot of the Watzmann east face in the Berchtesgaden Alps (47°32'N, 12°56'E) are investigated. The contribution of snow redistribution processes to the formation of the perennial ice body of the Ice Chapel is analysed by means of different methods. During 2007 and 2008 three geodetic measurements were carried out at the end of the accumulation and ablation period, respectively, using a reflectorless laser-tachymeter. An assessment of snow redistribution is derived from two sophisticated physical models: a) The snow processes model AMUNDSEN includes descriptions of the processes of transport and subsequent deposition of snow at inclined slopes (> 35°). These steep slopes are predominant in the catchment area of the Ice Chapel. b) SnowTran-3D facilitates analyses of wind-induced snow redistribution processes which mainly occur at mountain ridges and crests. In addition data from the network of automatic weather stations located in the National Park Berchtesgaden are analysed to assess the measured and modelled results based on a 10-year average for the period 1999-2008. The large catchment area and the steep rock faces surrounding the Ice Chapel, which favour a strong accumulation, are the reasons for it to be a solid geomorphological and glacial feature within the National Park Berchtesgaden.