Abstract
Electrical resistivity measurements were carried out to establish rock moisture variations at limestone rockwalls of the northern Alps. Temporal moisture fluctuations were derived from transitional resistivity measurements with the aid of data loggers, while the small-scale spatial moisture variations were fixed by 2D-geoelectrical measurements (ERT). Both methods provide evidence of an increasing hydraulic pressure level during freezing. Pore water is obviously pushed away from the freezing front into the rock. The ERT resistivity sections graphically display the formation of ice bodies. Under the superficially frozen areas, a distinct increase in moisture content is noted. According to the results, hydraulic pressure caused by ice formation seems to be an important mechanism for frost weathering and for frost-related hydration shattering. Furthermore, water movement toward the frozen areas was detected. There is evidence of a considerable amount of unfrozen, supercooled water under the frozen superficial rock layers, which might provide a water source for the formation of segregation ice.
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