Articles | Volume 70, issue 2
https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-135-2015
https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-135-2015
Intervention
 | 
14 Apr 2015
Intervention |  | 14 Apr 2015

Investigation on protalus ramparts in the Swiss Alps

C. Scapozza

Abstract. The origin and classification of landforms denominated as "protalus ramparts" in the scientific literature is a problem that is far from being resolved. The main objective of this contribution is to support a permafrost-related definition of protalus ramparts. If we consider the Alpine framework, protalus ramparts are generally very rare landforms; by contrast, the Alpine periglacial belt is characterised by a large diffusion of talus slopes and talus rock glaciers. The investigations carried out in six sites of the Valais Alps (Switzerland) allow eight major "diagnostic criteria" to be presented that help to define protalus ramparts in Alpine environments and that support the permafrost-related genesis of most of them. The major source of controversy is related to the use of the term protalus rampart to designate both a nivo-gravitational landform (also called "pronival ramparts") and a permafrost-related landform. All the considerations presented here allow an active protalus rampart to be defined simply as a (small) active talus rock glacier.

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Short summary
In the scientific literature, “protalus ramparts” can designate both a nivo-gravitational landform (also called “pronival ramparts”) and a permafrost-related landform. Thanks to a selection of eight major diagnostic criteria defined from observations carried out in the Swiss Alps, it was highlighted that the structure, ice content and creep dynamics of protalus ramparts are the same as many rock glaciers. Protalus rampart were therefore defined simply as a (small) active talus rock glacier.