CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Brugman, M.M.; and Delgado-Granados, H.
Date : 1997
Title : Glacier Monitoring in Canada as Compared to Mexico: Evidence for El Nino Effects? (abstract)
Publication : EMAN National Meeting 1997. 21-25 January 1997. Delta Bessborough, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Issue :
Page(s) :
Abstract
Glaciers in Mexico and Canada have displayed similar short and long-term fluctuations in the recent past. The glacier behavior trends and fluctuations from sub tropical to northern temperature latitudes since 1900 implies that similar climatic or oceanic controls affect the entire west coast of North America. The most dramatic influence on the local climate, that follows the same pattern is the 'El Nino' oceanic oscillation. Glaciers deriving accumulation from high elevations appear most sensitive. Temperature changes alone are not sufficient to explain the glacier variations, and a precipitation influence is required. Glacier monitoring methods considered in this paper are being developed and contrasted between Canada and Mexico to improve our understanding of glaciers and related climate change. The Mexican portion of this study is a by-product of a major collaborative study supported by the National Center for Disaster Prevention in Mexico City, for evaluation and modeling of lahar potential on Mexico's glacier-clad volcanoes. Because of the renewal of activity at Popocatepetl volcano near Mexico city this paper will focus on monitoring recently carried out by the investigators at Popo volcano. This was done during the field programs from 1994 to 1996 and additional data was derived from aerial photographs. The link with El Nino variations and changes in the west-ward directed moisture flux will be discussed in light of known variations in glacier mass balance, volume and terminus position in western Canada, and El Nino indices derived for the nearby Pacific Ocean.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology