Hydrological response in glacierized basins

Abstract

A glacierized basin’s supraglacial, englacial, subglacial, ice marginal, and groundwater pathways and stores, modify the inputs from melt and rain producing its characteristic hydrological response, measured as basin water output. A basin’s response varies through time at a variety of timescales in response to variations in water inputs, pathways, and stores. Some of the most notable changes occur in mid-latitude and high latitude catchments during the spring and summer. Less predictable changes are associated with flooding due to high melt rates or intense rainstorms, changes in the glacier’s drainage system, or lake outbursts.