Quantification of biogeomorphic interactions between small-scale sediment transport and primary vegetation succession on proglacial slopes of the Gepatschferner, Austria

Autor(en)

Stefan Haselberger, Lisa Maria Ohler, Jan-Christoph Otto, Robert Junker, Thomas Glade, Sabine Kraushaar

Abstrakt

Proglacial slopes provide suitable conditions to observe the co-development of abiotic and biotic
systems. The frequency and magnitude of geomorphic processes and composition of plants
govern this interplay, which is described in the biogeormorphic feedback window for glacier
forelands. The study sets out to quantify small-scale sediment transport via mechanical erosion
plots along a plant cover gradient and to investigate the multidirectional interactions between
abiotic and biotic processes. We aim to generate quantitative data to test the biogeomorphic
feedback window.
Small-scale biogeomorphic interactions were investigated on 30 test plots of 2 x 3 m size on
proglacial slopes of the Gepatschferner (Kaunertal) in the Austrian Alps during snow-free summer
months over three consecutive years. The experimental plots were established on slopes along a
plant cover gradient. A detailed vegetation survey was carried out to capture biotic conditions and
specific sediment yield was measured at each plot. Species abundance and composition at each
site, as well as plant functional types reflected successional stages.
We observed a strong decline in geomorphic activity on plots with above 30% plant cover. Mean
monthly rates of specific sediment yield decreased from 111 g m-2 to 37 g m-2. Non-metric
multidimensional scaling showed distinct vegetation composition for the three stages of
biogeomorphic succession. Quantified process rates and observed vegetation composition
support the concept of biogeomorphic feedback windows. The findings help to narrow down a
stage during succession where the importance of biotic processes start to dominate.

Organisation(en)

Institut für Geographie und Regionalforschung

Externe Organisation(en)

Paris-Lodron Universität Salzburg, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn

Publikationsdatum

2021

ÖFOS 2012

105408 Physische Geographie, 105404 Geomorphologie

Link zum Portal

https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/de/publications/957917ba-9bf1-4a8f-811b-9fa6fada99df