Topic VI - Paleoclimate > VI-1-Lake sediments as recorders of glacier change

Conveners

1. Jostein Bakke (Department of Earth Science and Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway)
2. Willem van der Bilt (Department of Earth Science and Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway)
3. Fabien Arnaud (EDYTEM, CNRS, Univ. Savoie Mont Blanc, France)
4. Sebastien Bertrand (GEOPS, Paris-Saclay University, Orsay, France, Renard Centre of Marine Geology, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium)

Most glaciers in both hemispheres are experiencing rapid retreat and thinning due to a combination of global human-driven factors and regional feedback. A better understanding of the behaviour of these glaciers over longer (Quaternary) timescales helps us predict their uncertain future trajectories. This session aims to create a platform for such work to showcase the use of lake sediments as archives for past glacial activity. In recent years, new laboratory techniques such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and computed tomography (CT) scanning, as well as granulometric end-member modelling analysis (EMMA), have enhanced our ability to fingerprint glacier-climate changes on human-relevant timescales. Improvements in glacial sediment chronologies, including quantifying varves and detecting tephra deposits, have also improved age control and allowed instrumental calibration. We welcome work that advances the current state of the art by presenting (and integrating) new empirical, statistical, and modelling methods. Contributions focusing on the societal implications of glacier change, such as geohazards (glacial lake outburst floods or GLOFs), or water availability (including power generation), are also encouraged.