Towards a hydrogeomorphological understanding of proglacial catchments: an assessment of groundwater storage and release in an Alpine catchment

Abstract. Proglacial margins form when glaciers retreat and create zones with distinctive ecological, geomorphological hydrological properties in Alpine environments. There is extensive literature on the geomorphology sediment transport such areas as well glacial hydrology, but there much less research into specific behavior of landforms that develop after glacier close to proglacial margins. Recent reviews have highlighted presence groundwater stores even rapidly draining Here, we describe functioning different superficial within around margin Otemma glacier, a temperate Swiss Alps; characterize timing amount transmission water sources (rain, snowmelt, ice melt) between them, compare relationship these processes catchment-scale discharge. The latter based upon recession-analysis-based framework. In quantifying relative storage volumes landforms, show steep only store timescale days, while flatter maintain baseflow order several weeks. These themselves fail explain recession patterns; our results point towards an unidentified compartment 40 mm, which releases during cold months. We suggest attributing this missing deeper bedrock flowpaths. Finally, key insights gained here interplay proposed analysis framework are readily transferable other similar should contribute better understanding future hydrogeological catchments.