Ein hydrologisches Querprofil durch die zentralen Alpen

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to present a detailed discussion of the hydrological asymmetry which exists between the north and south sides of the central Alps. This phenomenon has been recognised generally and for larger drainage basins, particularly since the pioneering work of Otto Lutschg. Table 1 presents subsequently calculated values for the hydrological balance in certain parts of the Swiss Alps which illuminate the closer relationships in quantitative form. On the basis of these figures an attempt is made to also portray the hydrological asymmetry in graphical form. The asymmetry is shown in particular by fig. 2 with linkages between runoff A and mean district altitude H, in which the line of regression of the south side of the Alps is reversed in order to maintain a profile-like picture. The mean altitude for the north-side districts is 1,549 metres above sea level and an accompanying runoff of 121.3 cm per annum. The corresponding figures for the south side of the Alps are: district altitude 1,661 metres, runoff 166.2 cm. In spite of this clearly indicated variety in the hydrological balance of alpine areas fig. 3 also shows, with balance diagrams for individual typical test areas, the form and extent of hydrological asymmetry.