Distribution and behaviour of rock glaciers in the Adamello–Presanella Massif (Italian Alps)

Abstract

An inventory of rock glaciers in the Adamello-Presanella Group is presented. The distribution, behaviour and morphological characteristics of rock glaciers are described and organized in a GIS. Furthermore, we analyse the relationship between rock glaciers and vegetation and tentatively discuss that between rock glacier distribution and climatic parameters. A total of 216 rock glaciers have been identified: 41% (n ¼ 88) are active/inactive (sensu Barsch) and the rest are relict. There is a difference of about 430 m in elevation between the fronts of active/inactive forms and those of relict forms. In the group of active/inactive rock glaciers, 59 are considered active and some of these are certainly in motion, as confirmed by two topographic surveys. At least 30 rock glaciers have developed since the Little Ice Age. The mean elevation of the fronts of active rock glaciers (2527 m) lies well below the estimated altitude of isotherms À1 C (2740 m) and À2 C (2910 m), suggesting that the reconstructed MAAT of À1/À2 C does not coincide with local MAAT in the entire group or that the studied rock glaciers are in disequilibrium with respect to current climatic conditions in the area. In conclusion, we must be cautious in using the regional MAAT for identifying active forms and in utilizing the position of rock glacier fronts for reconstructing the regional MAAT.

Future climate warming and changes to mountain permafrost in the Bolivian Andes

“…Rangecroft et al 2014), using the criteria of Baroni et al (2004). A total of 54 active rock glaciers in Bolivia were identified.…”

Identificación E Inventario De Potenciales Glaciares Rocosos Activos en Los Pirineos Mediante Fotointepretación en Visores Cartográficos 2d Y 3d: Primeros Resultados

“…La agrupación anterior ha sido adoptada por la mayoría de los recientes inventarios regionales de glaciares rocosos diferenciando a los «intact rock glaciers» de los «relict o fossil rock glaciers», como por ejemplo en Noruega (LILLEOREN y ETZEMÜLLER, 2011), en los Alpes austríacos (KELLERER-PIRKLBAUER et al, 2012), en los Alpes italianos (BARONI et al, 2004), o en los Andes argentinos (MARTINI et al, 2013).…”

“…FUENTE: Elaboración del autor d) Preparación de una tabla resumen (ver TABLA 5) para situar, parametrizar y clasificar a los GR seleccionados (tanto los inventariados anteriormente como los nuevos identificados): Mediante la consulta a inventarios recientes de glaciares rocosos (tanto fósiles como activos/inactivos) en varias zonas de los Alpes y Pirineos (BARONI et al, 2004;MONNIER, 2006;SCAPOZZA, 2008;KELLERER-PIRKLBAUER et al, 2012;KRAINER y RIBIS, 2012;PÉREZ SÁNCHEZ et al, 2013) hemos preparado una ficha extensa con 34 parámetros distintos (algunos de ellos a documentar en una posterior fase de trabajo de campo) que se agrupan en:  Posición (6 elementos): nombre, macizo, cuenca, coordenadas, etc.…”

Tree-ring–based summer mean temperature variations in the Adamello–Presanella Group (Italian Central Alps), 1610–2008 AD

“…The area hosts approximately 100 glaciers (CGI-CNR, 1959-1962, primarily in the northern and central sectors of the Group, among which are the Adamello Glacier, the widest of the whole Italian Alps (Ranzi et al, 2010), and the Lobbia Glacier; both high plateau glaciers whose active fronts stand at the head of valleys originating from the summit area Carton 1990, 1996;Baroni et al, 2004). The other glaciers are mainly located in small cirques and at the head of topographically protected valleys.…”