The morphodynamics of the Mont Blanc massif in a changing cryosphere : a comprehensive review

The mountain cryospere - a holistic view on processes and their interactions

Auteur(s) et Affiliation(s)



Description :
The Mont Blanc massif, illustrates how fast changes affect the cryosphere and the related morphodynamics in high mountain environments, especially since the termination of the Little Ice Age. While modern glaciology has been carried out in the massif for several decades, study of the permafrost has been under development for only a few years, especially in the rock walls. Many hazards are related to glacier dynamics. Outburst flood from englacial pockets, ice avalanche from warm-based and cold-based glaciers, and rock slope failure due to debuttressing are generally increasing with the current decrease or even the vanishing of glaciers. Permafrost degradation is likely involved in rockfall and rock avalanche, contributing to the chains of processes resulting from the high relief of the massif. The resulting hazards could increasingly endanger population and activities of the valleys surrounding the Mont Blanc massif.


Type de document :
Article de monographie

Source :
Geografiska annaler. Series A. Physical geography, issn : 0435-3676, 2012, vol. 94, n°. 2, p. 265-283, nombre de pages : 19, Références bibliographiques : 3 p.

Date :
2012

Editeur :
Pays édition : Suede, Stockholm, Svenska sällskapet för antropologi och geografi