Glacier recession and the changing rockfall hazard: Implications for glacier tourism. (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Purdie, Heather; Gomez, Christopher; Espiner, Stephen
• Editors: Nel, Etienne
• Is Part Of: New Zealand geographer. Volume 71:Number 3(2015:Dec.)
• Page Start: 189
• Page End: 202
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: climate change -- glacier -- rockfall -- tourism; Geography -- Periodicals; New Zealand -- Description and travel -- Periodicals; 910
• DOI: 10.1111/nzg.12091
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0028-8144

Abstract

Abstract: Rapid recession and thinning of mountain glaciers worldwide are resulting in changes to glacier surface morphology, which are exacerbated by increased rockfall and debris accumulation at lateral margins. Rockfall can be a hazard to people visiting and working on glaciers. Relationships between rockfall and the changing glacier surface were explored at Fox Glacier, where tourism is a key industry. Using a simple rockfall model, it was found that rocks could travel a further 50 m out onto the glacier in 2012 compared with 2008. An improved understanding of natural hazards is essential to the sustainability of the industry, given the importance of glacier‐related tourism in the local and regional economies.