Rock glacier dynamics near the lower limit of mountain permafrost in the Swiss Alps

• Main Authors: 池田, 敦, 34851, Ikeda, Atsushi
• Language: Japanese
• Published: 2004
• Subjects: permafrost
• Online Access: https://tsukuba.repo.nii.ac.jp/record/8384/files/A3395.pdf; https://tsukuba.repo.nii.ac.jp/record/8384/files/1.pdf

筑波大学 University of Tsukuba 博士（理学） Doctor of Philosophy in Science Rock glaciers, a mass of frozen debris moving downslope, are the best geomorphological indicator of permafrost in steep mountainous regions. Although recent studies have revealed in detail the distribution, structure, surface movement and thermal conditions of rock glaciers, few have addressed mass balance and internal movement. This study aims at evaluating rock glacier dynamics near the lower limit of mountain permafrost in the light of both thermal conditions and mass balance. For this purpose, two series of field observations were undertaken in the eastern Swiss Alps. The first half addresses the contemporary dynamics of two small rock glaciers located near the lower limit of mountain permafrost. The second half focuses on the difference in activity status of rock glaciers on a regional scale, which may reflect long-term variations in climate and debris supply. ･･･ 2003 Includes bibliographical references doctoral thesis