Evaluation of inter-annual to decadal changes in tropical Andean stream
chemistry below debris-covered glaciers
Abstract
The rapid retreat of tropical glaciers in the Cordillera Blanca, Peru,
results in significant changes to the quality and quantity of the
streamflow below. Debris-covered glaciers are a common feature in this
region but have previously only been studied in terms of their
geomorphology and surface characteristics. Short term studies have used
hydrochemical mixing models to estimate contributions of melting
glaciers to down valley streams. The progressive impact that these
glaciers have on streamflow and water chemistry as climate change
continues to force glacier loss has yet to be examined. Here we analyze
a 16-year dataset (2004-19) of water samples collected from glacierized
tributaries of the Santa River draining the Cordillera Blanca, Peru to
evaluate inter-annual to decadal differences in hydrochemistry in the
outflows below debris-covered glaciers and debris-free glaciers. This
unique dataset consists of annual dry season samples from 48 sites
within 20 tributaries with different amounts of glacier coverage that
provide the isotopic and ionic composition of the water, allowing for
analyses of patterns within catchments and comparisons between them over
time. Within the Llanganuco catchment, the Kinzl glacier tongue
descending from Peru’s highest summit of Huascaran is heavily debris
covered (4350-5200 m). Samples directly from the Kinzl effluent stream
show the most negative (δ18O = -16.79‰) and variable isotope values
(δ18O difference = 3.84‰) compared to less glacierized points within the
watershed. In contrast, the Broggi drainage displays the least negative
(δ18O = -14.10‰) and variable isotope values (δ18O difference = 2.80‰).
Finally, to gain a regional perspective we use the synoptic samples
throughout the Callejon de Huaylas watershed to provide a comparison to
previous estimates of specific discharge from glacier melt.