Glacier modelling and downstream impacts

Glaciers and ice caps are significant contributors to global sea-level rise and are vital sources of freshwater in glacierised basins. Over the past decades, substantial ice loss has been observed globally, leading to glacier thinning and retreat. This retreat has major implications for runoff, glacier-related hazards (e.g., outburst floods), and tourism. Accurately modelling glacier evolution at regional to global scales and quantifying downstream impact is crucial for understanding these effects, providing key insights for sea-level projections, water resource management, and hazard mitigation. This session focuses on glacier modelling, with a particular emphasis on studies evaluating the large-scale impacts of glacier retreat on downstream systems, including sea-level rise, water resources, and flood risks, as well as their temporal evolution. Contributions advancing regional- to global-scale models – such as incorporating ice dynamics, debris cover effects, glacier calving, surging, or inverse modelling of subglacial characteristics and ice thickness – are also very welcome. Submissions that explore the integration of glacier modelling into climate adaptation and mitigation strategies are especially encouraged.