10 year surficial velocities on a rock glacier (Laurichard, French Alps)

• Published in: Permafrost and Periglacial Processes
• Main Authors: Francou, Bernard, Reynaud, Louis
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 1992
• Subjects: Permafrost and Periglacial Processes
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ppp.3430030306; https://api.wiley.com/onlinelibrary/tdm/v1/articles/10.1002%2Fppp.3430030306; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/ppp.3430030306

Abstract A survey of painted lines on the top and frontal zone of a talus rock glacier allows one to present a longitudinal profile of the surficial velocity distribution. Measurements were taken over a 8–12 year period at regular intervals and the results now provide information on the variability of displacements. In the upper zone a recent slowing of movement coincides with negative mass balance of local glaciers. Discussion focuses on the variations in velocity of the rock glaciers over the short time‐scale.