Upward migration of snowline in the Alps and impact on Elevation-Dependent Warming in MAR simulations over 1961-2100

Abstract ID: 3.10712
| Accepted as Talk
| Abstract is registered
| 2025-09-17 16:30 - 16:42 (+3min)
Castellanos, I. (1)
Ménégoz, M. (1); Blanchet, J. (1); and Beaumet, J. (2)
(1) Institut des Géosciences de l'Environnement (IGE), 54 rue Molière, 38400 Saint-Martin-d'Hères, FR
(2) Atmo Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, 14 avenue Benoît Frachon, 38400 St-Martin-d'Hères
How to cite: Castellanos, I.; Ménégoz, M.; Blanchet, J.; and Beaumet, J.: Upward migration of snowline in the Alps and impact on Elevation-Dependent Warming in MAR simulations over 1961-2100, International Mountain Conference 2025, Innsbruck, Sep 14 - 18 2025, #IMC25-3.10712, 2025.
Categories: Atmosphere, Cryo- & Hydrosphere
Keywords: Elevation-Dependent Warming, Alps, Regional Climate Model, Seasonal, Surface energy balance
Categories: Atmosphere, Cryo- & Hydrosphere
Keywords: Elevation-Dependent Warming, Alps, Regional Climate Model, Seasonal, Surface energy balance
Abstract

Mountain regions exhibit specific regional imprints when it comes to climate change. The presence of snow plays a role in this imprint and adds a strong seasonality to the observed changes. This study aims to understand the processes that link Elevation-Dependent Warming to the upward migration of the snowline, by investigating the surface energy balance in the Alps through the seasons. Combining three MAR (Modèle Atmosphérique Régional) simulations with a 7kmx7km resolution over 1961-2100 and under different climate scenarios, the change in albedo due to the upward migration of the snowline and the energy used to melt snow are found to be major drivers in the patterns of EDW simulated by MAR in the Alps.