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Producing energy and preventing hazards from surface water storage in Peru (PEGASUS)

About the project

Peru’s glaciers are rapidly retreating, threatening surface water supply, as well as releasing sediment to valley areas and revealing topographic depressions that can become nature reserves for glacier runoff. These thawed landscapes are very active and can pose risks to people and infrastructure downstream. The objective in this research is to provide the necessary basic science to maximize opportunities and minimize risks posed by future surface water storage in glacial basins of the Peruvian Andes. To do so, a simulation of future climate, glacier recession and their impact on mountain environments will be undertaken. Changes in sediment flow and delivery to downstream areas will be measured and predicted. Also, future risks presented by glacial lakes and ice and rock avalanches will be evaluated. Finally, risks and resources will be balanced, integrating recommendations for companies, policy makers and individuals.

Researchers

  • Jorge Darwin Abad (Project director, UTEC)
  • Duncan Quincey (Project director, University of Leeds)
  • Sofía Castro (Co- investigator, PUCP)
  • Fredy Santiago Monge (Co- investigator, UNSAAC)
  • Daniel Vicente Horna Muñoz (Co- investigator, UTEC)
  • Pedro Christopher Rau (Co- investigator, UTEC)
  • Nilton Mariano (Co- investigator, UNSAAC)
  • Jahir Anicama (Co- investigator, CARE Perú)
  • Randy Muñoz (Co- investigator, UZH)
  • Andrew Ross (Co- investigator, University of Leeds)
  • Jonathan Carrivick (Co- investigator, University of Leeds)
  • Daniel Parsons (Co- investigator, University of Hull)
  • Christopher Skinner (Co- investigator, University of Hull)
  • Francesca Pellicciotti (Co- investigator, Northumbria University)
  • Simon Cook (Co- investigator, University of Dundee)
  • Anita Arrascue (Co- investigator)

Participating Institutions

  • Pontificia Universidad Católica del Peru
    • Institute for Nature, Earth and Energy
  • Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad del Cusco (UNSAAC)
  • Universidad de Ingeniería y Tecnología (UTEC)
    • Center for Water Research and Technology (CITA UTEC)
  • CARE Peru
  • University of Leeds, United Kingdom
  • University of Hull, United Kingdom
  • Northumbria University, United Kingdom
  • University of Dundee, United Kingdom
  • Autoridad Nacional del Agua (ANA)
  • Cusco Regional Government
  • Machupicchu Power Generation Company S.A.
  • University of Zurich, Switzerland
    • Geography Department
  • University of Carleton, Canada
    • Geography and Environmental Studies Department