Glacier recession and the changing rockfall hazard: Implications for glacier tourism

Abstract

© 2015 New Zealand Geographical Society.Rapid recession and thinning of mountain glaciers worldwide are resulting in changes to glacier surface morphology, which are exacerbated by increased rockfall and debris accumulation at lateral margins. Rockfall can be a hazard to people visiting and working on glaciers. Relationships between rockfall and the changing glacier surface were explored at Fox Glacier, where tourism is a key industry. Using a simple rockfall model, it was found that rocks could travel a further 50m out onto the glacier in 2012 compared with 2008. An improved understanding of natural hazards is essential to the sustainability of the industry, given the importance of glacier-related tourism in the local and regional economies.