Searcharxiv⌕ Search

arXiv subjects

Scott Hotaling

Publications and source records attributed to Scott Hotaling.

2 recordsLinked to original sources
arXiv2025

Contemporary Shrinking of Colombia's Highest Mountains: Pico Simon Bolivar and Pico Cristobal Colon

Pico Cristobal Colon and Pico Simon Bolivar are the highest peaks in Colombia and were last accurately surveyed in 1939. This historical survey measured Cristobal Colon, Colombia's recognized highpoint, at 5775m and Simon Bolivar at 5773m. Both peaks have permanent icecaps at their summits. For this study, multiple differential GPS units and an Abney level were used to re-survey each peak with sub-meter vertical accuracy. As of December 2024, the elevation of Simon Bolivar was 5720.42m +/- 0.08m and Cristobal Colon was 5712.79m +/- 0.87m. These measurements indicate that the ice caps of both peaks have shrunk dramatically since 1939: Simon Bolivar by 53m and of Cristobal Colon by 62m. Contrary to official recognition, Pico Simon Bolivar is now the highest mountain in Colombia. Increasing local temperatures suggest that the icecap melting of both peaks is due to climate change.

physics.geo-ph↗
arXiv2025

Mount Rainier and Liberty Cap Elevation Survey 2025

In 2024, we discovered that Columbia Crest, the historical summit of Mount Rainier, was no longer the highest point on the mountain. Instead, a point 133 m (436 ft) to the south along the southwest rim (SW Rim) was determined to be the new highest point on Mount Rainier. The Columbia Crest icecap melted down 6.64 m (21.8 ft) since 1998. A nearby peak, Liberty Cap, melted down 8.02 m (26.3 ft) since 2007. For this report, updated elevation measurements were taken in late summer 2025 of Columbia Crest and Liberty Cap. Columbia Crest melted an additional 0.37 m (1.2 ft) and Liberty Cap melted 0.67 m (2.2 ft) over the last year. To understand how Mount Rainier's summit may continue to evolve, we used ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to measure the thickness of the Columbia Crest icecap and Liberty Cap. As of 2025, ice is approximately 2 m - 5 m (6.6 ft - 16.5 ft) thick near the summit of Columbia Crest and 10 m - 13 m (32.8 ft - 42.7ft) thick near the summit of Liberty Cap. Using recent measurements by our team and other surveyors, melt rates for Columbia Crest have been -0.27 m/year (-0.9 ft/year) since 1998 (R squared = 0.990) and -0.49 m/year (-1.6 ft/year) for Liberty Cap since 2007 (R squared = 0.998). Based on the elevation of the nearest high-elevation visible rock, Liberty Cap will lose its status as an ice-capped peak by 2041. Assuming recent rates of change continue, it will melt to bedrock by 2047. Columbia Crest is already no longer the highest point on Mount Rainier, and it will likely melt to bedrock by 2045. As of 2025, our results indicate that the summit of Mount Rainier on the SW Rim is at an elevation of 4391.04 m (14406.3 ft +/- 0.1 ft) (NAVD88).

physics.geo-ph↗