UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT OF ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS ON GLACIAL MELTWATER IN MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK, WA

Previous studies suggest that glacial meltwater changes in response to atmospheric conditions, with suspended sediment concentrations and water temperature increasing with rising air temperature. Understanding the impact of increasing atmospheric temperatures on glacial meltwater is important in glaciated watersheds such as those that originate in Mount Rainier National Park. This study examines suspended sediment concentrations, electrical conductivity, and temperature of meltwater from Emmons and Nisqually glaciers. Comparing these data to meteorological data archived by the Northwest Avalanche Center reveal inconsistent relationships with air temperature. For example, meltwater samples collected during periods of anomalously high temperature do not yield similarly elevated suspended sediment concentrations; however, diurnal peaks in suspended sediment concentrations occur during the warmest hours of the day. Ongoing analysis will compare additional measurements, such as water temperature and electrical conductivity, with archived air temperature and insolation data to determine the impact of atmospheric conditions on glacial meltwater in Mount Rainier National Park.