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Glacier-related landforms and glacial lakes in Huascarán National Park, Peru

Publication at Faculty of Science |
2016

Abstract

The map of lakes and selected glacier related landforms in Huascarán National Park was created describing their spatial distribution and selected properties related to their development. None of this information was available before completing this work.

The ongoing environmental changes documented in the national park are affecting the number, size, spatial distribution and development of glacial lakes. From a longer perspective many of the lakes are filled with sediments or they have been subject to outburst floods.

Over 1,250 moraine ridges (longer than 200 m) were mapped and classified along with 2,370 lakes. The lake typology is based on the character of their dam whereas moraine ridge types are defined with specific geomorphological features, possibly affecting their stability.

This represents the most detailed inventory which could be used for future statistic analysis or hazard evaluation.