Book chapter: High mountain waters in transition
Changes in high-mountain water bodies: High-mountain water bodies are considered extreme habitats. The chemical composition of water is primarily determined by the geology and chemical composition of atmospheric precipitation. A changing climate which manifests itself in higher temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, higher evaporation rates, and new atmospheric patterns will change the water availability and the regional water balance. This will also significantly change the role of snow and ice in the water balance. High-mountain water bodies are well suited for the study of processes with a global impact because they are above the forest line, not exposed to direct human intervention, and have low biodiversity and relatively simple food webs. They are known to be extremely sensitive to changes in the catchment area and in the atmosphere. Mountain water bodies represent an early warning system for environmental changes.
Zimmermann-Timm, H, D. N. Shah & R. D. Tachamo Shah (2020): Hochgebirgsgewässer im Wandel. In: Lozán J. L., S.-W. Breckle, H. Grassl, et al. (Hrsg.). Warnsignal Klima: Hochgebirge im Wandel. S. 187-193. Online: www.warnsignal-klima.de. doi:10.2312/warnsignal-klima.hochgebirge-im-wandel.28.