Abstract
The spatial representativeness of point records is a concern in glacier discharge predictions. A Monte Carlo-based global sensitivity approach is used to investigate the predictive uncertainty in the net radiation (R n) as the major component driving glacier melt in the Bolivian Andes. The R n is inferred through the Surface and Energy Balance Algorithm, calibrated with point dry-season records monitored on a glacier's ablation area. High uncertainties are expected in the vicinity of the monitoring station (surface albedo (α) between 0.81 and 0.79, specific melt discharge (SMD) between 72 and 88 L s -1 km -2); smaller uncertainties are expected on the glacier boundaries (α between 0.10 and 0.08, SMD between 128 and 143 L s -1 km -2). Thus, with the incoming long wave radiation (R L↓) as the most sensitive model parameter, the spatial variability in α determines the spatial variability in the SMD predictive uncertainties.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Cold Regions Hydrology in a Changing Climate |
Pages | 103-108 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Volume | 346 |
Publication status | Published - 2011 Dec 1 |
Event | Symposium H02 on Cold Regions Hydrology in a Changing Climate, Held During the 25th General Assembly of the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics, IUGG 2011 - Melbourne, VIC, Australia Duration: 2011 Jun 28 → 2011 Jul 7 |
Other
Other | Symposium H02 on Cold Regions Hydrology in a Changing Climate, Held During the 25th General Assembly of the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics, IUGG 2011 |
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Country/Territory | Australia |
City | Melbourne, VIC |
Period | 11/6/28 → 11/7/7 |
Keywords
- Remote sensing
- Sensitivity analysis
- Tropical Andes
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Earth and Planetary Sciences(all)