Rock glaciers in the Wasatch Mountains are large ice formations hidden beneath rock layers, resilient to climate changes, and increasingly viewed as important water sources in arid regions like Utah. They are more common than traditional glaciers but are understudied, holding significant ecological and urban water supply potential.
In the Wasatch Mountains of Utah, Scott Hotaling ascends a well-trodden trail leading to White Pine Lake while bypassing the lake itself. Continuing his hike, he navigates through boulders toward an imposing rock wall—an atypical but significant glacier known as a rock glacier. Unlike traditional glaciers, rock glaciers are composed of massive amounts of ice concealed beneath a layer of rocks, providing them with insulation from climatic conditions and making them potentially more resilient to climate change effects. Researchers are increasingly intrigued by rock glaciers due to their ability to withstand warming temperatures. Hotaling, a mountain ecologist at Utah State University, explains that these glaciers offer a glimmer of hope amidst widespread ice decline as they maintain a steady presence in the landscape, unlike the rapidly diminishing surface glaciers. With the capacity to store substantial water reserves, rock glaciers could serve as essential water sources in arid regions such as Utah, where snowpack levels are declining. Rock glaciers are more prevalent than surface glaciers in the western United States, with over 10,000 identified. Despite their abundance, they have been less studied in comparison to traditional glaciers, particularly as attention has evolved more toward glacial research in Europe. Nevertheless, some studies underscore the resilience of rock glaciers as they demonstrate minimal mass loss over time and touch upon the dynamics of their gradual movement, indicating they are not entirely shielded from climate impact, but still exhibit greater ice retention. There exists a gap in the scientific understanding of rock glaciers, particularly regarding their internal ice composition and age—critical information that necessitates field research. Hotaling recalls his desire to uncover and understand the powerful ice reservoirs hidden within these geological formations. During a recent expedition, Hotaling and his team, including research technician Kendall Becker, focused on gauging the water output from the rock glacier rather than directly sampling its ice. Their observations revealed that melting ice from rock glaciers significantly contributes to the flow of mountain streams in the region, thus reinforcing their value in sustaining aquatic ecosystems and providing potable water for urban centers. Morriss, a geologist with the Utah Geological Survey, emphasizes the vital role of rock glaciers, noting that substantial portions of Salt Lake City’s water supply are derived from canyons rich in underappreciated rock glaciers. He stresses a collective acknowledgment and further study of these unique geological features as essential components of the watershed.
Rock glaciers are a unique form of glacier characterized by their mass of ice enveloped in a layer of rocks. Discovered and described as early as the 1900s, these geological formations offer significant advantages in terms of resilience against climate change. Researchers have observed that, while surface glaciers are increasingly vulnerable to warming temperatures, rock glaciers may possess a unique capability to remain stable over longer periods, driven by their insulation properties. Their structure allows them to store vast amounts of water, drawing attention to their potential importance in water-scarce regions, especially as typical winter snowfall patterns shift due to climate impacts.
In summary, rock glaciers represent an overlooked yet crucial aspect of the glacial landscape, demonstrating resilience amidst climate change and serving as potential lifelines for water resources in alpine environments. Their unique characteristics necessitate further scientific exploration to fully appreciate their role in ecology and resource management, particularly as conventional ice formations continue to diminish under warming conditions. Increased awareness and study of rock glaciers could illuminate their importance in sustaining water supplies and ecosystems in western mountain regions.
Original Source: www.mainepublic.org
