Major and Classification
B.S. Science Public Policy
Faculty Mentor
T.J. McCarthy
Department
Price School of Public Policy
Research Gateway Project
Elevation-Dependent Variability in Light-Absorbing Particles and Reflectivity on Washington Glaciers
Project Abstract
Glaciers on Mount Rainier and Mount Baker feed numerous river systems, which are essential during the dry summer months in providing water resources for municipal water, hydraulic power, agricultural, fish breeding, and overall watershed health. Like 90% of glaciers worldwide, the glaciers on Rainier and Baker are rapidly retreating. Light-absorbing particles (LAPs) are one of the main drivers of glacier melt by decreasing the reflectivity of snow – thus increasing the amount of solar radiation glaciers absorb. To better understand the effects of LAPs on Washington glacier mass loss, my study will attempt to quantify this relationship at different elevations and throughout the summer months (May-August), which is when glaciers transition from a season of snow accumulation to loss, on the Easton glacier of Mount Baker and the Cowitz and Ingraham glaciers of Mount Rainier.