Abstract

AbstractAn increasing number of studies highlight the controlling influence of water on rock glacier deformation velocities. The link between the concept of water‐driven shearing processes and numerous observations of correlating mean annual air or ground temperatures and rock glacier velocities is discussed here. We present a dataset measured at the Schafberg rock glacier in the Eastern Swiss Alps, complemented by temperature data from three other rock glaciers in the Swiss Alps, which allowed us to reconstruct the processes influencing both mean annual ground temperatures and rock glacier deformation velocity. Rock glacier hydrology is the parameter linking rock glacier temperature and velocities and is a crucial influencing factor. The main external forcing parameter appart from mean annual air temperature is early winter snow coverage. The study shows that the concept of water being a controlling factor for rock glacier velocity is no contradiction to the observed correlations between air or ground temperature and rock glacier deformation.

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 call

Disclaimer: 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.