Biogeomorphic dynamics on lateral moraines in the Turtmann glacier forefield, Switzerland (BIMODAL)

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Sebastian Schmidtlein, since 7/2017
• Subject Area: Physical Geography ; Ecology and Biodiversity of Plants and Ecosystems ; Palaeontology
• Term: from 2014 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 265919892

Glacier forefields are highly dynamic environments, which are significantly affected by climate change. Their dynamics comprise the geomorphic, hydrologic, biologic, climatic and pedogenic components of the forefield system, which adjust and develop following glacier retreat. Despite close feedbacks between these components, research often concentrates on single components. Consequently, interactions between them are often neglected, e.g. between vegetation development and the geomorphic paraglacial adjustment. This especially applies for interactions on Little Ice Age lateral moraines, although they constitute a major landform and sediment source in glacier forefields. Previous research showed influences of geomorphic processes on vegetation succession in glacier forefield, but the influence of vegetation on geomorphic processes in glacier forefields has not been quantified sufficiently. The feedbacks between these processes remain unclear, particularly their effect on distinct patterns of geomorphic activity and vegetation on lateral moraines. To investigate and integrate research on geomorphic and vegetation dynamics, recently developed concepts from the interdisciplinary research field of biogeomorphology are highly useful. Their application in a glacier forefield delivers a deeper understanding of spatiotemporal biogeomorphic dynamics on lateral moraines, which is the main aim of our project. Referring to the apparent research gaps in glacier forefields, the objectives of our project are (i) to identify plant species which significantly influence geomorphic dynamics on lateral moraines (geomorphic-engineer species) and to quantify their impact; (ii) to determine geomorphic and vegetation properties relevant for biogeomorphic interactions on lateral moraines (biogeomorphic window) and (iii) to describe and understand the decadal biogeomorphic evolution of lateral moraine systems. Our research is highly relevant as these dynamics play a significant role for the response of glacier forefields to climate change. Moreover, they possess a high socio-economic relevance for sediment management in glacier forefields and alpine slope restoration.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Ehemaliger Antragsteller: Professor Dr. Richard Dikau, until 7/2017