Abstract
Flow velocities were measured on the Plator rock glacier in the Central Italian Alps using a correlation image analysis algorithm on orthophotos acquired by drones between the years 2016 and 2020. The spatial patterns of surface creep were then compared to the Bulk Creep Factor (BCF) spatial variability to interpret the rock glacier dynamics as a function of material properties and geometry. The rock glacier showed different creep rates in the rooting zone (0.40–0.90 m/y) and in the frontal zone (>4.0 m/y). Close to the rock glacier front, the BCF assumed the highest values, reaching values typical of rock glaciers experiencing destabilisation. Conversely, in the rooting zone the small rates corresponded to lowest BCFs, about five times smaller than in the frontal zone. The Plator rock glacier revealed a substantial advancement from 1981 to 2020 and distinct geomorphological features typical of rock glaciers exhibiting destabilising processes. Given the fast-moving phase, the advancement of both the front line and the front toe of the rock glacier, and the contrasting spatial distribution in the BCFs, the Plator could be considered a destabilised rock glacier.
Highlights
Rock glaciers are landforms that form as a result of creeping mountain permafrost [1,2].In recent years, the study of rock glacier dynamics and their coupling to the changing climate system is receiving increasing attention [3,4].Since the 1990s, acceleration of rock glacier displacements has been documented in the European Alps
Time series of rock glacier movement in the European Alps indicate that the acceleration in permafrost creep is strongly related to the availability of liquid water
We assumed a perfect plastic model for rock glacier thickness. This assumption looks realistic for alpine rock glaciers according to the results presented in Cicoira et al [21], but the validation of this approach should be confirmed by a more detailed dataset
Summary
Rock glaciers are landforms that form as a result of creeping mountain permafrost [1,2].In recent years, the study of rock glacier dynamics and their coupling to the changing climate system is receiving increasing attention [3,4].Since the 1990s, acceleration of rock glacier displacements has been documented in the European Alps. Rock glaciers are landforms that form as a result of creeping mountain permafrost [1,2]. The study of rock glacier dynamics and their coupling to the changing climate system is receiving increasing attention [3,4]. Since the 1990s, acceleration of rock glacier displacements has been documented in the European Alps. Thermo-hydro-mechanical coupling associated with the transitory availability of liquid water content are the main reasons rock glaciers move rapidly. Time series of rock glacier movement in the European Alps indicate that the acceleration in permafrost creep is strongly related to the availability of liquid water A number of studies have investigated the connection between air and ground temperature and the flow dynamics of rock glaciers [5,6,7,8], while others have integrated flow information with environmental factors like sediment supply dynamics and landform characteristics [1,9,10].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
