This second part of a review deals with the mechanisms of rockglacier formation and flow. The AA. first discuss terminological and classification problems associated with rockglaciers and dynamic nature of rockglaciers. The third part concludes
this series of papers by discussing the role and significance of rockglaciers in mountain geomorphology, glaciology and environmental reconstructions.
The origin and mobilization of the extensive debris cover associated with the glaciers of the Nanga Parbat Himalaya is complex. The AA. propose a mechanism by which glaciers can form rockglaciers through inefficiency of sediment transfer from
glacier ice to meltwater. They document with maps, satellite images, and field observations the probable evolution of part of a slow and inefficient glacier into a rockglacier at the margins of Sachen Glacier in c. 50 years, as well as several other
At Galena Creek, the ice/debris system has alternated between rockglacier and debris-covered glacier modes due to changes in the size of the accumulation area. These results have important implications for paleoclimatic studies of the ice
Degradation of talus-derived rockglaciers in the Upper Engadin, Swiss Alps
Alps (The) ; Classification ; Geophysics ; Mountain ; Periglacial features ; Permafrost ; Rockglacier ; Soil temperature ; Switzerland
Alpes ; Classification ; Glacier rocheux ; Géophysique ; Montagne ; Pergélisol ; Périglaciaire ; Suisse ; Température du sol
This study aims at evaluating changes in the morphology and structure of rockglaciers with permafrost degradation. For this purpose, morphology, structure and thermal conditions are compared between active, inactive and relict rockglaciers
in the Upper Engadin, where the 3 types of rockglaciers co-exist within a small mountain area. On the basis of 109 rockglacier investigations (mapping, morphological parameters, temperature measurements and geophysical soundings), processes accompanying
permafrost degradation in rockglaciers are discussed.
Several contentions issues have arisen from rockglacier nomenclature, for example whether the term rockglacier implies genesis from glacial ice or from permafrost. The situation is compounded since rockglacier classification may be based
on several different parameters, some of which are measured and quantified, others inferred. These include: gross morphology, dynamics, processes of formation, location, internal characteristics, thermal regime and age. The distinction is made between rock
glaciers (sensu stricto), which follows the original descriptions and typology of the early years of the 20th century, and protalus lobes.
The intent of this work is to : 1) present surface velocities on 15 rockglaciers averaged over 12 years (1983-1995) in the Selwyn Mountains; 2) calculate long-term velocities using rockglacier length and lichen age; 3) compare the velocities
In this paper, the AA. discuss stable isotope and stratigraphic data from an ice core obtained from a rockglacier at Galena Creek, northwestern Wyoming, USA. They have presented new, independent evidence that the Galena Creek rockglacier
is genetically a temperate alpine glacier. These findings show that the Galena Creek rockglacier, and perhaps many other rockglaciers, are essentially debris-covered glaciers. The AA. suggest that rockglaciers represent an untapped archive of old glacier ice
In this contribution, an approach to measure mass balance and transport within rockglacier fronts is presented. The technique is applied to Gruben and Suvretta rockglaciers, Swiss Alps. The results confirm a conveyor belt-like advance mechanism
Visual year-round observations have shown that snow avalanches are driving the formation of rockglaciers near the glacier Larsbreen in central Svalbard. This model appeas consistent with information on the origin and geometry of internal structures
previously derived by indirect geophysical means on this and other rockglaciers in Svalbard, and on rockglaciers elsewhere. Avalanche-nourished rockglaciers are expected to exhibit a regional downwind preferred orientation.
This paper analyzes the results of an inventory of rockglaciers and protalus lobes in the South Shetland Islands. The work is based on aerial photo-interpretation, field recognition and measurements, and estimations of volumes, debris transport
and talus production using Barch's methodology. Three groups of rockglaciers can be recognised : those immediate postdating the last major ice recession, rockglaciers younger than 2000 years BP but pre-dating the Little Ice Age (LIA), and rockglaciers
Rockglacier dynamics in a marginal periglacial high mountain environment : flow, movement (1991-2000) and structure of the Argualas rockglacier, the Pyrenees
Creep ; Geophysics ; Mountain ; Periglacial features ; Pyrénées ; Rockglacier ; Sedimentology ; Spain ; Years 1990-99
This paper presents the results of detailed studies on the dynamics of the Argualas rockglacier in the Pyrenees from 1991 to 2000. The aim is to provide a better understanding of the surface movement and dynamics of the tongue-shaped rockglacier
A long-term approach based on detailed mapping and lichenometry provides additional information concerning talus-foot rockglaciers overstepping raised beaches in Svalbard. Their regional distribution is primarily controlled by the tectonic pattern
and especially by the network of major thrusting faults. Tentative dating of the start of the rockglaciers movement combined with data on their longitudinal development allowed to infer average long-term rates of rockglacier movement and to compare them
Rockglaciers are developed at permafrost areas of periglacial environment in Tianshan Mountains. Based on field surveying and air-photo interpretation, the paper discusses the shape, characteristics of supply area, formation conditions
and environmental differentiations of rockglaciers at head area of Urmqi River in Kalawuchen Range and the head areas of Touado River and Danangou River in Yilanhabierga Range at Shawan County. Formation conditions and morphological characteristics of rockglaciers
Discharge and sediment-load characteristics of the Hilda rock-glacier stream, Canadian Rocky Mountains, Alberta
Alberta ; Canada ; Capacité de charge ; Charge en suspension ; Glacier ; Glacier rocheux ; Géographie physique ; Hydrodynamique ; Hydrologie ; Rocky Mountains ; Sédimentologie
Water discharge and sediment load characteristics of the Hilda rock-glacier stream are described for portions of the 1985 and 1986 ablation seasons. The hydrological behavior of the Hilda rock-glacier stream suggests that the rockglacier acts
as a buffering factor in basin runoff as compared with a similar glacierized basin. In addition, the rockglacier acts conservatively in sediment release from the basin and promotes denudation by dissolution and material transport as dissolved load.
A glacial interpretation for the origin and formation of the Marinet RockGlacier, Alpes Maritimes, France
Special issue : the geomorphic and climatic significance of rockglaciers
Alpes du Sud ; Alps (The) ; France ; Geophysics ; Glacial features ; Glacial flow ; Glacier ; Model ; Moraine ; Permafrost ; Photogrammetry ; Rockglacier
Alpes ; Alpes du Sud ; Ecoulement glaciaire ; France ; Glaciaire ; Glacier ; Glacier rocheux ; Géophysique ; Modèle ; Moraine ; Pergélisol ; Photogrammétrie
Rockglaciers of the Southern French Alps, specifically the Marinet RockGlacier, are commonly thought to have apermafrost origin. However, results from ground surveys, relationships between debris and ice input, lichen dating and historical
Internal structure and behaviour of a rockglacier in the arid Andes of Argentina
Active layer ; Andes ; Argentina ; Arid area ; Geophysics ; Glacier ; Meltwater ; Rockglacier ; Seismic method ; Water resources
Andes ; Argentine ; Domaine aride ; Eau de fonte ; Glacier ; Glacier rocheux ; Géophysique ; Mollisol ; Ressource en eau ; Sismique
This paper reports results of the application of combined refraction and geoelectric geophysical methods to the study of the El Paso rockglacier in the arid Andes of Argentina. The geophysical results permit a first estimate of the volume of water
enclosed in the rockglaciers of this region, indicating that locally, rockglaciers are important water resources. However the incidence of water availability to the arid lowlands is unknown.
Etude des glaciers rocheux situés, pour la plupart, dans des couloirs et cirques glaciaires actuellement dépourvus de glaciers. Mise en évidence de relations entre la lithologie et les glaciers rocheux d'une part, la distribution des glaciers