4. Glacial hazards and climate change
As climate changes:
• The number of glacial lake systems
increases
• The volume of water stored in lakes
increases
→ The hazard increases
Rural development is increasing into
the high mountains:
• More roads, bridges;
• Mining
• Hydropower
• Communities
• Tourist trails/lodges
→ The vulnerability increases
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7. The imminent destruction of the Machupicchu HEP scheme, Peru, 1998.
Net cost to the Peruvian economy ~$200 million over 3 years
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8. Glacial hazards and mining
Debris-covered glaciers
Debris
Water
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Copper mine in Chile
9. 9 Destruction of mine haul roads through ice flow and wash-out, Chile
10. Glacial hazard management dilemma
Drain the
potential flood waters
from the lake
Keep the water reservoir
in the lake
Maintain water resource? OR Reduce the Hazard?
Or can we do both?
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13. Impact of climate change
on glaciers: conclusions
• Generally, glaciers are shrinking in response to climate change,
with implications for future water supplies and usage
• Glacial hazards are growing and changing with time
• Communities, hydropower, infrastructure and mining, etc., are
being adversely affected with significant economic costs
• Hazards can be identified and risks assessed objectively
• Risks can be reduced and resource management improved
through implementation of an integrated strategy
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