Articles | Volume 74, issue 1
https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-74-59-2019
© Author(s) 2019. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Special issue:
https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-74-59-2019
© Author(s) 2019. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Monitoring the crisis of a rock glacier with repeated UAV surveys
Sebastián Vivero
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Institute of Earth Surface Dynamics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
Christophe Lambiel
Institute of Earth Surface Dynamics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
Related authors
Julie Wee, Sebastián Vivero, Tamara Mathys, Coline Mollaret, Christian Hauck, Christophe Lambiel, Jan Beutel, and Wilfried Haeberli
The Cryosphere, 18, 5939–5963, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-5939-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-5939-2024, 2024
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This study highlights the importance of a multi-method and multi-disciplinary approach to better understand the influence of the internal structure of the Gruben glacier-forefield-connected rock glacier and adjacent debris-covered glacier on their driving thermo-mechanical processes and associated surface dynamics. We were able to discriminate glacial from periglacial processes as their spatio-temporal patterns of surface dynamics and geophysical signatures are (mostly) different.
Benjamin Aubrey Robson, Shelley MacDonell, Álvaro Ayala, Tobias Bolch, Pål Ringkjøb Nielsen, and Sebastián Vivero
The Cryosphere, 16, 647–665, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-647-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-647-2022, 2022
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This work uses satellite and aerial data to study glaciers and rock glacier changes in La Laguna catchment within the semi-arid Andes of Chile, where ice melt is an important factor in river flow. The results show the rate of ice loss of Tapado Glacier has been increasing since the 1950s, which possibly relates to a dryer, warmer climate over the previous decades. Several rock glaciers show high surface velocities and elevation changes between 2012 and 2020, indicating they may be ice-rich.
Sebastián Vivero, Reynald Delaloye, and Christophe Lambiel
Earth Surf. Dynam. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-2021-8, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-2021-8, 2021
Preprint withdrawn
Short summary
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We use repeated drone flights to measure the velocities of a rock glacier located in the western Swiss Alps. The results are validated by comparing with simultaneous GPS measurements. Between 2016 and 2019, the rock glacier doubled its overall frontal velocity, from 5 m to more than 10 m per year. These high velocities and the development of a scarp feature indicate a rock glacier destabilisation phase. Finally, this work highlights the use of drones for rock glacier monitoring.
Julie Wee, Sebastián Vivero, Tamara Mathys, Coline Mollaret, Christian Hauck, Christophe Lambiel, Jan Beutel, and Wilfried Haeberli
The Cryosphere, 18, 5939–5963, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-5939-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-5939-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This study highlights the importance of a multi-method and multi-disciplinary approach to better understand the influence of the internal structure of the Gruben glacier-forefield-connected rock glacier and adjacent debris-covered glacier on their driving thermo-mechanical processes and associated surface dynamics. We were able to discriminate glacial from periglacial processes as their spatio-temporal patterns of surface dynamics and geophysical signatures are (mostly) different.
Aldo Bertone, Chloé Barboux, Xavier Bodin, Tobias Bolch, Francesco Brardinoni, Rafael Caduff, Hanne H. Christiansen, Margaret M. Darrow, Reynald Delaloye, Bernd Etzelmüller, Ole Humlum, Christophe Lambiel, Karianne S. Lilleøren, Volkmar Mair, Gabriel Pellegrinon, Line Rouyet, Lucas Ruiz, and Tazio Strozzi
The Cryosphere, 16, 2769–2792, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-2769-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-2769-2022, 2022
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We present the guidelines developed by the IPA Action Group and within the ESA Permafrost CCI project to include InSAR-based kinematic information in rock glacier inventories. Nine operators applied these guidelines to 11 regions worldwide; more than 3600 rock glaciers are classified according to their kinematics. We test and demonstrate the feasibility of applying common rules to produce homogeneous kinematic inventories at global scale, useful for hydrological and climate change purposes.
Benjamin Aubrey Robson, Shelley MacDonell, Álvaro Ayala, Tobias Bolch, Pål Ringkjøb Nielsen, and Sebastián Vivero
The Cryosphere, 16, 647–665, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-647-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-647-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
This work uses satellite and aerial data to study glaciers and rock glacier changes in La Laguna catchment within the semi-arid Andes of Chile, where ice melt is an important factor in river flow. The results show the rate of ice loss of Tapado Glacier has been increasing since the 1950s, which possibly relates to a dryer, warmer climate over the previous decades. Several rock glaciers show high surface velocities and elevation changes between 2012 and 2020, indicating they may be ice-rich.
Cristian Scapozza, Chantal Del Siro, Christophe Lambiel, and Christian Ambrosi
Geogr. Helv., 76, 401–423, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-76-401-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-76-401-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Exposure ages make it possible to determine the time of weathering of a rock surface. They can be determined from rebound values measured with the Schmidt hammer and calibrated on surfaces of known age, defined in this study thanks to historical cartography and two mule tracks built in 300 and 1250 CE, which allowed us to reconstruct glacier fluctuations over the last 3 centuries in Val Scaradra and to define the time of deglaciation and rock glacier development in the Splügenpass region.
Sebastián Vivero, Reynald Delaloye, and Christophe Lambiel
Earth Surf. Dynam. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-2021-8, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-2021-8, 2021
Preprint withdrawn
Short summary
Short summary
We use repeated drone flights to measure the velocities of a rock glacier located in the western Swiss Alps. The results are validated by comparing with simultaneous GPS measurements. Between 2016 and 2019, the rock glacier doubled its overall frontal velocity, from 5 m to more than 10 m per year. These high velocities and the development of a scarp feature indicate a rock glacier destabilisation phase. Finally, this work highlights the use of drones for rock glacier monitoring.
Antoine Marmy, Jan Rajczak, Reynald Delaloye, Christin Hilbich, Martin Hoelzle, Sven Kotlarski, Christophe Lambiel, Jeannette Noetzli, Marcia Phillips, Nadine Salzmann, Benno Staub, and Christian Hauck
The Cryosphere, 10, 2693–2719, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-10-2693-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-10-2693-2016, 2016
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This paper presents a new semi-automated method to calibrate the 1-D soil model COUP. It is the first time (as far as we know) that this approach is developed for mountain permafrost. It is applied at six test sites in the Swiss Alps. In a second step, the calibrated model is used for RCM-based simulations with specific downscaling of RCM data to the borehole scale. We show projections of the permafrost evolution at the six sites until the end of the century and according to the A1B scenario.
Related subject area
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Chancen, Herausforderungen und Risiken der Inwertsetzung des regionalen Geo-Erbes: Geotopschutz und Geotourismus im Spannungsfeld unterschiedlichster Interessen
The potential of fragipans in sustaining pearl millet during drought periods in north-central Namibia
The 1513 Monte Crenone rock avalanche: numerical model and geomorphological analysis
Evolution of fluvial environments and history of human settlements on the Ticino river alluvial plain
Schmidt hammer exposure-age dating of periglacial and glacial landforms in the Southern Swiss Alps based on R-value calibration using historical data
Assessing the ecological value of dynamic mountain geomorphosites
Assessing hillslope sediment generation potential by tree throw: a preliminary field study along a small river valley in the Jura Mountains, northwest Switzerland
Glacial lake outburst flood hazard assessment by satellite Earth observation in the Himalayas (Chomolhari area, Bhutan)
Reconstruction and actual trends of landslide activities in Bruust–Haltiwald, Horw, canton of Lucerne, Switzerland
Regional-scale inventory of periglacial moving landforms connected to the torrential network system
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Last Glacial Maximum precipitation pattern in the Alps inferred from glacier modelling
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The use of a raindrop aggregate destruction device to evaluate sediment and soil organic carbon transport
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Emmanuel Reynard, Tarek Ben Fraj, Aziza Ghram Messedi, Hédi Ben Ouezdou, Mohamed Ouaja, and Yves Matthijs
Geogr. Helv., 77, 97–119, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-77-97-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-77-97-2022, 2022
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The study is a geomorphological analysis of Djebel Dahar, in south-eastern Tunisia, carried out as the basis for a UNESCO Global Geopark. We made a synthesis of the geographical, geological and geomorphological context of the area, proposed a delimitation for the future geopark, based on geological and geomorphological characteristics, and established a preliminary list of geosites, indicating their scientific value and their potential for geotourism.
Heidi Megerle, Simon Martin, and Géraldine Regolini
Geogr. Helv., 77, 53–66, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-77-53-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-77-53-2022, 2022
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In the field of regional geo-heritage promotion, this paper presents some opportunities, challenges and risks for geotope protection and geotourism.
Brice Prudat, Wolfgang Fister, Lena Bloemertz, Juliane Krenz, and Nikolaus J. Kuhn
Geogr. Helv., 77, 39–51, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-77-39-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-77-39-2022, 2022
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Soil quality depends on water availability for plants. Sandy soils with a poorly permeable layer (fragipan) are considered inept for agriculture. However they are cultivated in Namibia as they secure a minimum harvest during droughts. In order to understand the hydrological influence of fragipans in these soils, soil moisture content was measured. The results illustrate that the combination of sandy topsoil and shallow fragipan has beneficial effects on plant-available water during dry periods.
Alessandro De Pedrini, Christian Ambrosi, and Cristian Scapozza
Geogr. Helv., 77, 21–37, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-77-21-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-77-21-2022, 2022
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The Monte Crenone rock avalanche of 1513 is well known on the southern side of the Alps because in 1515 it generated the largest inundation that has occurred in Switzerland in the Common Era, the Buzza di Biasca. New geological and historical observations allowed the setup of a numerical model of this major event, permitting a better definition of the chain of consequences that affected the alluvial plain of the river Ticino from Biasca to Lake Maggiore between the 16th and the 19th century.
Dorota Czerski, Daphné Giacomazzi, and Cristian Scapozza
Geogr. Helv., 77, 1–20, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-77-1-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-77-1-2022, 2022
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The paper presents the results of recent geoarchaeological studies on the Ticino river alluvial plain. The sedimentological descriptions are combined with archaeological observations and constrained with radiocarbon dating. This approach, together with data from previous research and historical sources, provides an interesting overview of the eveolution of Ticino river morphosedimentary dynamics in relation to human settlements since the Neolithic.
Cristian Scapozza, Chantal Del Siro, Christophe Lambiel, and Christian Ambrosi
Geogr. Helv., 76, 401–423, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-76-401-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-76-401-2021, 2021
Short summary
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Exposure ages make it possible to determine the time of weathering of a rock surface. They can be determined from rebound values measured with the Schmidt hammer and calibrated on surfaces of known age, defined in this study thanks to historical cartography and two mule tracks built in 300 and 1250 CE, which allowed us to reconstruct glacier fluctuations over the last 3 centuries in Val Scaradra and to define the time of deglaciation and rock glacier development in the Splügenpass region.
Jonathan Bussard and Elisa Giaccone
Geogr. Helv., 76, 385–399, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-76-385-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-76-385-2021, 2021
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In mountain environments, active geomorphological processes have a strong influence on plant diversity because they act as renovators for habitats of pioneer species. In this paper, we propose criteria to assess the ecological value of dynamic mountain geomorphosites. We show that the interest of plant communities and the influence of geomorphological processes on plant communities are fundamental criteria for assessing ecological value in an exhaustive and objective way.
Philip Greenwood, Jan Bauer, and Nikolaus J. Kuhn
Geogr. Helv., 76, 319–333, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-76-319-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-76-319-2021, 2021
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Soil erosion by wind and water is a commonly recognized phenomenon on agricultural land. Erosion in forests is studied less and generally considered to be limited because of the soil protection by vegetation. However, trees, when toppled because of old age or wind, loosen a considerable amount of soil when their roots are pulled from the ground. In addition, the holes left in the ground act as collectors for water and concentrated runoff, causing significant soil loss on forested slopes.
Cristian Scapozza, Christian Ambrosi, Massimiliano Cannata, and Tazio Strozzi
Geogr. Helv., 74, 125–139, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-74-125-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-74-125-2019, 2019
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A glacial lake outburst flood hazard assessment by satellite Earth observation and numerical modelling was done for the lakes linked to the Thangothang Chhu glacier, Chomolhari area (Bhutan), combining detailed geomorphological mapping, landslide and rock glacier inventories, as well as surface displacements quantified by satellite InSAR. Outburst scenario modelling revealed that only a flood wave can have an impact on the two human settlements located downslope of the glacier.
Philippe Burkhalter, Markus Egli, and Holger Gärtner
Geogr. Helv., 74, 93–103, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-74-93-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-74-93-2019, 2019
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A spatiotemporal reconstruction of slope movements on the edge of Lake Lucerne near the municipality of Horw, canton of Lucerne is presented. The reconstruction was realized by analyzing growth reactions of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and fir (Abies alba Mill.) trees growing on this slope. Results show that the area has been moving at least since 1948. A significant concentration of events was observed between 1990 and 2000 as well as after 2006.
Mario Kummert and Reynald Delaloye
Geogr. Helv., 73, 357–371, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-73-357-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-73-357-2018, 2018
Max Boxleitner, Susan Ivy-Ochs, Dagmar Brandova, Marcus Christl, Markus Egli, and Max Maisch
Geogr. Helv., 73, 241–252, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-73-241-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-73-241-2018, 2018
Patrick Becker, Martin Funk, Christian Schlüchter, and Kolumban Hutter
Geogr. Helv., 72, 421–442, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-72-421-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-72-421-2017, 2017
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This article studies the ice flow in the Valais region during the last glaciation (Würm) in detail. The numerical modelling shows a discrepancy of the height of the ice cap compared to the geomorphological evidence based on trimlines. However, geomorphological evidence at the Simplon Pass indicating an ice flow from the Rhone valley into the valley of Toce was confirmed. Furthermore it is shown that for this confirmation a sufficient ice thickness is obligatory.
Patrick Becker, Julien Seguinot, Guillaume Jouvet, and Martin Funk
Geogr. Helv., 71, 173–187, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-71-173-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-71-173-2016, 2016
Frank Techel, Frédéric Jarry, Georg Kronthaler, Susanna Mitterer, Patrick Nairz, Miha Pavšek, Mauro Valt, and Gian Darms
Geogr. Helv., 71, 147–159, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-71-147-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-71-147-2016, 2016
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During the last 45 years, about 100 people lost their lives in avalanches in the European Alps each year. Avalanche fatalities in settlements and on transportation corridors have considerably decreased since the 1970s. In contrast, the number of avalanche fatalities during recreational activities away from avalanche-secured terrain doubled between the 1960s and 1980s and has remained relatively stable since, despite a continuing strong increase in winter backcountry recreational activities.
Rachel Luethi and Marcia Phillips
Geogr. Helv., 71, 121–131, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-71-121-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-71-121-2016, 2016
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Long-term borehole temperature monitoring in mountain permafrost environments is challenging under the hostile conditions reigning there. On the basis of data measured in the SLF borehole network we show situations where ground temperature data should be interpreted with caution. A selection of recently observed problems are discussed, and advantages and possible drawbacks of various solutions including data correction, measurement redundancy or alternate instrumentation are presented.
P. Greenwood, M. Hoelzle, and N. J. Kuhn
Geogr. Helv., 70, 311–313, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-311-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-311-2015, 2015
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Editorial introducing the special issue of Geographica Helvetica: Mapping, Measuring and Modeling in Geomorphology.
C. Willi, C. Graf, Y. Deubelbeiss, and M. Keiler
Geogr. Helv., 70, 265–279, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-265-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-265-2015, 2015
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The erosion of and depositions on channel bed surfaces are instrumental to understanding debris flow processes. We present different methods and highlight their pro and cons. Terrestrial and airborne laser scanning, erosion sensors, cross sections and geomorphological mapping are compared. Two of these approaches are tested and applied in a torrent. The results indicate that the methods are associated with variable temporal and spatial resolution as well as data quality and invested effort.
S. Müller and D. Schaub
Geogr. Helv., 70, 193–198, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-193-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-193-2015, 2015
L. Xiao, Y. Hu, P. Greenwood, and N. J. Kuhn
Geogr. Helv., 70, 167–174, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-167-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-167-2015, 2015
C. Scapozza
Geogr. Helv., 70, 135–139, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-135-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-135-2015, 2015
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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.
C. Ambrosi and C. Scapozza
Geogr. Helv., 70, 121–133, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-121-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-121-2015, 2015
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Some examples of 3-D digital mapping for Quaternary geological and geomorphological cartography are presented in this paper. Examples concern in particular the Quaternary geological cartography around the well-know Flims rockslide area (Graubünden), performed in the framework of the GeoCover project launched by the Swiss Geological Survey, and the landslide and glacial/periglacial landform mapping and inventorying in the southern Swiss Alps (Ticino) for assessing the slope tectonic activity.
B. Staub, A. Marmy, C. Hauck, C. Hilbich, and R. Delaloye
Geogr. Helv., 70, 45–62, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-45-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-45-2015, 2015
P. Greenwood, S. Kuonen, W. Fister, and N. J. Kuhn
Geogr. Helv., 70, 63–73, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-63-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-63-2015, 2015
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Alpine and mountain slopes represent important pathways that link high-altitude grazing areas to meadows and rangelands at lower elevations. Given the acute gradients associated with such environments, we hypothesize that terracettes act as efficient runoff conveyance routes that facilitate the movement of runoff and associated material during erosion events. This hypothesis was partially disproved during a series of rainfall/runoff simulations on a well-developed terracette system, however.
M. Stähli, C. Graf, C. Scheidl, C. R. Wyss, and A. Volkwein
Geogr. Helv., 70, 1–9, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-1-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-1-2015, 2015
M. Hoelzle and E. Reynard
Geogr. Helv., 68, 225–226, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-68-225-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-68-225-2013, 2013
M. Huss, A. Voinesco, and M. Hoelzle
Geogr. Helv., 68, 227–237, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-68-227-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-68-227-2013, 2013
R. Weingartner, B. Schädler, and P. Hänggi
Geogr. Helv., 68, 239–248, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-68-239-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-68-239-2013, 2013
P. Michna, W. Eugster, R. V. Hiller, M. J. Zeeman, and H. Wanner
Geogr. Helv., 68, 249–263, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-68-249-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-68-249-2013, 2013
S. Schneider, S. Daengeli, C. Hauck, and M. Hoelzle
Geogr. Helv., 68, 265–280, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-68-265-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-68-265-2013, 2013
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