Geophysical–geotechnical methodology for assessing the spatial distribution of glacio‐lacustrine sediments: The case history of Lake Seracchi

Proglacial lakes are distinctive features of deglaciated landscapes and often act as sediment sinks, collecting solid material from subglacial erosion or washout areas. The transport flow, strongly linked to the glaciers periglacial landforms, may rise due rapid changes driven by climate warming, causing deep transformations in basin hydrology, even appearance disappearance at a decadal timescale. goal this study was present geophysical–geotechnical approach that integrates several techniques, quantify distribution proglacial lake. A geophysical survey is performed with ground-penetrating radar (GPR) installed on boat, whereas time-domain reflectometer (TDR) measures electrical conductivity permittivity lakebed sediments. Unperturbed samples collected analyzed measure main geotechnical properties sediment: grain-size distribution, plastic limit, liquid limit. Such support interpretation GPR data detection spatial variations facies. To validate proposed methodology, field tests were carried out Lake Seracchi, largest lake Rutor glacier, Italian Alps. It formed around 1880 because recent glacier shrinkage, chronicled valuable historical documents. Its greyish waters carry significant amount suspended recognized glacial flour, which gradually accumulates bottom obtained bathymetry thickness maps Seracchi show strength approach: only few manual samples, it possible extrapolate interest, such friction angle hydraulic conductivity, wider areas, surveyed techniques. This achieved investigating key interest.