Quantitative Assessment of the Creep Process of Weissenkar Rock Glacier (Central Alps, Austria)

Graz

2006

S. 77-86

8 Abb., 9 Lit. Ang.

Artikel aus einer ZeitschriftUnselbständiges Werk

200143489

Weissenkar rock glacier (46°57.5ę N, 12°45ę E) is situated in a glacially shaped cirque in the Schober Mountains of the Eastern Alps, Austria. The rock glacier creeps downslope at a comparatively low velocity of up to 11 cm a-1. The creeping permafrost body has now reached a fl at plateau-like area where its motion is retarded due to low inclination resulting in a very pronounced surface topography. This paper is focused on the documentation of the kinematic state of Weissenkar rock glacier. Geodetic (1997-2001, 2003, 2004) and photogrammetric measurements (1974, 1998, 2002) were carried out in order to obtain quantitative information on surface deformation in general, and creep velocity and surface height change in particular. Results obtained are presented both numerically and graphically. An orthophoto map of the area of interest was compiled to provide a sound basis for cartographic work. Finally, the kinetics of Weissenkar rock glacier will be discussed in respect to its morphology and its specifi c topographic situation.