A global view on permafrost in steep bedrock

Abstract

Mountainous topography covers a considerable proportion of the global permafrost region. There, temperature changes and the degradation of permafrost in steep bedrock can evoke rapid geomorphic change, some of which may result in natural hazards. Due to the strong relief of most rock walls, corresponding events can have a long runout and transform into cascading events, such as impact to lakes or the damming of rivers that propagate far below the periglacial zone. The identification of areas that potentially have permafrost conditions in steep rock is the important first step in the evaluation of corresponding hazards. During the past decade, researchers have given considerable attention to permafrost in steep bedrock, although most investigations have been conducted in the European Alps. This contribution provides a summary of findings related to the delineation of permafrost in rock walls. Based on this, simple considerations and data sources are outlined that may help the application of current knowledge in remote mountain regions.