Alpine streams are fed by snowmelt and ice melt, and their flow rates are highly variable depending on the season. In the summer, when snow and ice melt is at its peak, alpine streams can be raging torrents. However, in the winter, when snow and ice cover the ground, alpine streams can be reduced to a trickle.
The researchers found that the flow of alpine streams is not just controlled by the amount of snow and ice melt, but also by the temperature of the ground. When the ground is warm, it can absorb more water, which reduces the amount of water that flows into alpine streams. Conversely, when the ground is cold, it can absorb less water, which increases the amount of water that flows into alpine streams.
This finding could have important implications for water management in mountain regions around the world. By understanding how the temperature of the ground affects the flow of alpine streams, water managers can better predict how much water will be available for human use and for the environment. This information can be used to make decisions about how to allocate water resources during times of scarcity, such as droughts.
The researchers' findings were published in the journal Nature Geoscience.
