Holocene Sediment Cascades in the German Alps

Titelangaben

Götz, Joachim ; Schrott, Lothar:
Holocene Sediment Cascades in the German Alps.
In: Lehmkuhl, Frank ; Böse, Margot ; Krautblatter, Michael (Hrsg.): Landscapes and Landforms of Germany. - Cham : Springer , 2025 . - S. 475-491
ISBN 978-3-031-77876-6
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-77876-6_28

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Abstract

This paper presents Holocene sediment cascades in the German Limestone Alps, considering both spatial and temporal perspectives. It provides insights into the dynamics and understanding of sediment cascades in alpine landscapes. Altitude-dependent geomorphological processes (e.g. rockfalls, debris flows, avalanches, etc.) are controlled primarily by climate, topography, lithology, and glacial heritage, and form so-called sediment cascades. The effectiveness of sediment transport through a system over time depends on the connectivity and coupling of geomorphological processes. Different sedimentary catchments in the Wetterstein and Berchtesgaden Alps are highlighted and discussed, especially regarding variable geological and lithological conditions and corresponding patterns of dominant geomorphological process domains. The Reintal Valley in the Wetterstein mountains is presented as one of the best studied catchments in terms of sediment cascades. It is controlled by a series of large-scale rockfall deposits and moraines that trap significant amounts of sediment in the valley. The Königssee, Wimbach and Klausbach valleys in the Berchtesgaden National Park are then introduced. They serve as textbook sites to illustrate adjacent but strongly contrasting sediment transport systems.