Articles | Volume 15, issue 10
https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-4823-2021
© Author(s) 2021. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-4823-2021
© Author(s) 2021. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
13 Oct 2021
Research article |
| 13 Oct 2021
| 13 Oct 2021
InSAR-based characterization of rock glacier movement in the Uinta Mountains, Utah, USA
Geology Department, Middlebury College, Middlebury, 05753, USA
Alexander L. Handwerger
Joint Institute for Regional Earth System Science and Engineering,
University of California, Los Angeles, 90095, USA
Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology,
Pasadena, 91109, USA
Jeffrey S. Munroe
Geology Department, Middlebury College, Middlebury, 05753, USA
Related authors
Zachary Hoppinen, Ross T. Palomaki, George Brencher, Devon Dunmire, Eric Gagliano, Adrian Marziliano, Jack Tarricone, and Hans-Peter Marshall
The Cryosphere, 18, 5407–5430, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-5407-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-5407-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This study uses radar imagery from the Sentinel-1 satellite to derive snow depth from increases in the returning energy. These retrieved depths are then compared to nine lidar-derived snow depths across the western United State to assess the ability of this technique to be used to monitor global snow distributions. We also qualitatively compare the changes in underlying Sentinel-1 amplitudes against both the total lidar snow depths and nine automated snow monitoring stations.
George Brencher, Scott Henderson, and David Shean
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3196, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3196, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Glacial lakes are often dammed by moraines, which can fail, causing floods. Traditional methods of measuring moraine dam structure are not feasible for thousands of lakes. We instead developed a method to measure moraine dam movement with satellite radar data and applied this approach to the Imja Lake moraine dam in Nepal. We found that the moraine dam moved ~90 cm from 2017–2024, providing information about its internal structure. These data can help guide limited hazard remediation resources.
Matthew C. Morriss, Benjamin Lehmann, Benjamin Campforts, George Brencher, Brianna Rick, Leif S. Anderson, Alexander L. Handwerger, Irina Overeem, and Jeffrey Moore
Earth Surf. Dynam., 11, 1251–1274, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-1251-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-1251-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
In this paper, we investigate the 28 June 2022 collapse of the Chaos Canyon landslide in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, USA. We find that the landslide was moving prior to its collapse and took place at peak spring snowmelt; temperature modeling indicates the potential presence of permafrost. We hypothesize that this landslide could be part of the broader landscape evolution changes to alpine terrain caused by a warming climate, leading to thawing alpine permafrost.
Vrinda D. Desai, Alexander L. Handwerger, and Karen E. Daniels
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.22541/essoar.172494370.04413277/v1, https://doi.org/10.22541/essoar.172494370.04413277/v1, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Landslide events occur when soil, rock, and debris on slopes become unstable and move downhill, often triggered by heavy rain that reduces friction. Our research evaluates landslide vulnerability using a method that analyzes the spatiotemporal dynamics of landslide-prone areas. We've developed a statistical metric to track changing conditions in these regions. This approach can aid in early warning systems, helping communities and authorities take preventive measures and minimize damage.
Zachary Hoppinen, Ross T. Palomaki, George Brencher, Devon Dunmire, Eric Gagliano, Adrian Marziliano, Jack Tarricone, and Hans-Peter Marshall
The Cryosphere, 18, 5407–5430, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-5407-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-5407-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This study uses radar imagery from the Sentinel-1 satellite to derive snow depth from increases in the returning energy. These retrieved depths are then compared to nine lidar-derived snow depths across the western United State to assess the ability of this technique to be used to monitor global snow distributions. We also qualitatively compare the changes in underlying Sentinel-1 amplitudes against both the total lidar snow depths and nine automated snow monitoring stations.
George Brencher, Scott Henderson, and David Shean
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3196, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3196, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Glacial lakes are often dammed by moraines, which can fail, causing floods. Traditional methods of measuring moraine dam structure are not feasible for thousands of lakes. We instead developed a method to measure moraine dam movement with satellite radar data and applied this approach to the Imja Lake moraine dam in Nepal. We found that the moraine dam moved ~90 cm from 2017–2024, providing information about its internal structure. These data can help guide limited hazard remediation resources.
Jeffrey S. Munroe, Abigail A. Santis, Elsa J. Soderstrom, Michael J. Tappa, and Ann M. Bauer
SOIL, 10, 167–187, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-10-167-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-10-167-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This study investigated how the deposition of mineral dust delivered by the wind influences soil development in mountain environments. At six mountain locations in the southwestern United States, modern dust was collected along with samples of soil and local bedrock. Analysis indicates that at all sites the properties of dust and soil are very similar and are very different from underlying rock. This result indicates that soils are predominantly composed of dust delivered by the wind over time.
Matthew C. Morriss, Benjamin Lehmann, Benjamin Campforts, George Brencher, Brianna Rick, Leif S. Anderson, Alexander L. Handwerger, Irina Overeem, and Jeffrey Moore
Earth Surf. Dynam., 11, 1251–1274, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-1251-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-1251-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
In this paper, we investigate the 28 June 2022 collapse of the Chaos Canyon landslide in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, USA. We find that the landslide was moving prior to its collapse and took place at peak spring snowmelt; temperature modeling indicates the potential presence of permafrost. We hypothesize that this landslide could be part of the broader landscape evolution changes to alpine terrain caused by a warming climate, leading to thawing alpine permafrost.
Jeffrey S. Munroe and Alexander L. Handwerger
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 27, 543–557, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-543-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-543-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Rock glaciers are mixtures of ice and rock debris that are common landforms in high-mountain environments. We evaluated the role of rock glaciers as a component of mountain hydrology by collecting water samples during the summer and fall of 2021. Our results indicate that the water draining from rock glaciers late in the melt season is likely derived from old buried ice; they further demonstrate that this water collectively makes up about a quarter of streamflow during the month of September.
Chuxuan Li, Alexander L. Handwerger, Jiali Wang, Wei Yu, Xiang Li, Noah J. Finnegan, Yingying Xie, Giuseppe Buscarnera, and Daniel E. Horton
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 2317–2345, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-2317-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-2317-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
In January 2021 a storm triggered numerous debris flows in a wildfire burn scar in California. We use a hydrologic model to assess debris flow susceptibility in pre-fire and postfire scenarios. Compared to pre-fire conditions, postfire conditions yield dramatic increases in peak water discharge, substantially increasing debris flow susceptibility. Our work highlights the hydrologic model's utility in investigating and potentially forecasting postfire debris flows at regional scales.
Alexander L. Handwerger, Mong-Han Huang, Shannan Y. Jones, Pukar Amatya, Hannah R. Kerner, and Dalia B. Kirschbaum
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 753–773, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-753-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-753-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Rapid detection of landslides is critical for emergency response and disaster mitigation. Here we develop a global landslide detection tool in Google Earth Engine that uses satellite radar data to measure changes in the ground surface properties. We find that we can detect areas with high landslide density within days of a triggering event. Our approach allows the broader hazard community to utilize these state-of-the-art data for improved situational awareness of landslide hazards.
Cody C. Routson, Darrell S. Kaufman, Nicholas P. McKay, Michael P. Erb, Stéphanie H. Arcusa, Kendrick J. Brown, Matthew E. Kirby, Jeremiah P. Marsicek, R. Scott Anderson, Gonzalo Jiménez-Moreno, Jessica R. Rodysill, Matthew S. Lachniet, Sherilyn C. Fritz, Joseph R. Bennett, Michelle F. Goman, Sarah E. Metcalfe, Jennifer M. Galloway, Gerrit Schoups, David B. Wahl, Jesse L. Morris, Francisca Staines-Urías, Andria Dawson, Bryan N. Shuman, Daniel G. Gavin, Jeffrey S. Munroe, and Brian F. Cumming
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 13, 1613–1632, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-13-1613-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-13-1613-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We present a curated database of western North American Holocene paleoclimate records, which have been screened on length, resolution, and geochronology. The database gathers paleoclimate time series that reflect temperature, hydroclimate, or circulation features from terrestrial and marine sites, spanning a region from Mexico to Alaska. This publicly accessible collection will facilitate a broad range of paleoclimate inquiry.
Jeffrey S. Munroe
The Cryosphere, 15, 863–881, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-863-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-863-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
This study investigated a cave in Utah (USA) that contains a deposit of perennial ice. Such ice caves are important sources of information about past climate and are currently threatened by rising temperatures. The origin (precipitation), thickness (3 m), and age (several centuries) of the ice were constrained by a variety of methods. Liquid water recently entered the cave for the first time in many years, suggesting a destabilization of the cave environment.
Alexander L. Handwerger, Shannan Y. Jones, Mong-Han Huang, Pukar Amatya, Hannah R. Kerner, and Dalia B. Kirschbaum
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-2020-315, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-2020-315, 2020
Manuscript not accepted for further review
Short summary
Short summary
The rapid and accurate mapping of landslides is critical for emergency response, disaster mitigation, and understanding landslide processes. Here we present a new approach to detect landslides anywhere in the world using freely available synthetic aperture radar data and open source tools in Google Earth Engine. Importantly, our methods do not require specialized processing software or training, which allows the broader hazards community to utilize these state-of-the-art remote sensing tools.
Cited articles
Arenson, L., Hoelzle, M., and Springman, S.: Borehole deformation measurements
and internal structure of some rock glaciers in Switzerland, Permafrost. Periglac., 13, 117–135, https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp.414, 2002.
Azócar, G. and Brenning, A.: Hydrological and geomorphological significance of rock glaciers in the dry Andes, Chile (27–33 S), Permafrost. Periglac., 21, 42–53, https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp.669, 2010.
Barboux, C., Delaloye, R., and Lambiel, C.: Inventorying slope movements in an Alpine environment using DInSAR, Earth Surf. Proc. Land., 39, 2087–2099, https://doi.org/10.1002/esp.3603, 2014.
Barnett, T. P. and Pierce, D. W.: When will Lake Mead go dry?, Water
Resour. Res., 44, W03201, https://doi.org/10.1029/2007WR006704, 2008.
Barsch, D.: Rock-glaciers: Indicators for the present and former geoecology of high mountain environments, Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg, Germany, 1996.
Bartholomew, I., Nienow, P., Mair, D., Hubbard, A., King, M. A., and Sole, A.: Seasonal evolution of subglacial drainage and acceleration in a Greenland outlet glacier, Nat. Geosci., 3, 408–411, https://doi.org/10.1038/ngeo863, 2010.
Bayer, B., Simoni, A., Mulas, M., Corsini, A., and Schmidt, D.: Deformation responses of slow moving landslides to seasonal rainfall in the Northern Apennines, measured by InSAR, Geomorphology, 308, 293–306, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2018.02.020, 2018.
Bekaert, D. P. S., Walters, R. J., Wright, T. J., Hooper, A. J., and Parker, D. J.: Statistical comparison of InSAR tropospheric correction techniques, Remote Sens. Environ., 170, 40–47, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rse.2015.08.035, 2015.
Berardino, P., Fornaro, G., Lanari, R., and Sansosti, E.: A new algorithm for surface deformation monitoring based on small baseline differential SAR interferograms, IEEE T. Geosci. Remote, 40, 2375–2383, https://doi.org/10.1109/TGRS.2002.803792, 2002.
Boeckli, L., Brenning, A., Gruber, S., and Noetzli, J.: Permafrost distribution in the European Alps: calculation and evaluation of an index map and summary statistics, The Cryosphere, 6, 807–820, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-6-807-2012, 2012.
Bradley, W. H.: Geomorphology of the North Flank of the Uinta Mountains, US Geological Survey, US Government Printing Office, Washington DC, USA, https://doi.org/10.3133/pp185I, 1936.
Brardinoni, F., Scotti, R., Sailer, R., and Mair, V.: Evaluating sources of uncertainty and variability in rock glacier inventories, Earth Surf. Proc. Land., 44, 2450–2466, https://doi.org/10.1002/esp.4674, 2019.
Bürgmann, R.: The Geophysics, Geology and Mechanics of Slow Fault Slip, Earth Planet. Sc. Lett., 495, 112–134, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2018.04.062, 2018.
Chen, C. W. and Zebker, H. A.: Phase unwrapping for large SAR interferograms: Statistical segmentation and generalized network models, IEEE T. Geosci. Remote, 40, 1709–1719, https://doi.org/10.1109/TGRS.2002.802453, 2002.
Cicoira, A., Beutel, J., Faillettaz, J., and Vieli, A.: Water controls the seasonal rhythm of rock glacier flow, Earth Planet. Sc. Lett., 528, 115844, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2019.115844, 2019.
Clow, D. W., Schrott, L., Webb, R., Campbell, D. H., Torizzo, A., and Dornblaser, M.: Ground water occurrence and contributions to streamflow in an alpine catchment, Colorado Front Range, Groundwater, 41, 937–950, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-6584.2003.tb02436.x, 2003.
Degenhardt Jr., J. J.: Development of tongue-shaped and multilobate rock glaciers in alpine environments–Interpretations from ground penetrating radar surveys, Geomorphology, 109, 94–107, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2009.02.020, 2009.
Dehler, C. M., Porter, S. M., De Grey, L. D., Sprinkel, D. A., and Brehm, A.:
The Neoproterozoic Uinta Mountain Group revisited; a synthesis of recent work
on the Red Pine Shale and related undivided clastic strata, northeastern
Utah, U.S.A., in: Proterozoic Geology of Western North America and Siberia,
edited by: Link, P. K. and Lewis, R. S., Society for Sedimentary Geology, Tulsa, USA, 151–166, https://doi.org/10.2110/pec.07.86.0151, 2007.
Delaloye, R., Lambiel, C., and Gärtner-Roer, I.: Overview of rock glacier kinematics research in the Swiss Alps, Geogr. Helv., 65, 135–145, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-65-135-2010, 2010.
Eriksen, H. Ø., Rouyet, L., Lauknes, T. R., Berthling, I., Isaksen, K., Hindberg, H., Larsen, Y., and Corner, G. D.: Recent acceleration of a rock glacier complex, Adjet, Norway, documented by 62 years of remote sensing observations, Geophys. Res. Lett., 45, 8314–8323, https://doi.org/10.1029/2018GL077605, 2018.
Falaschi, D., Castro, M., Masiokas, M., Tadono, T., and Ahumada, A. L.: Rock glacier inventory of the Valles Calchaquíes region (∼25 S), Salta, Argentina, derived from ALOS data, Permafrost. Periglac., 25, 69–75, https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp.1801, 2014.
Fey, C. and Krainer, K.: Analyses of UAV and GNSS based flow velocity variations of the rock glacier Lazaun (Ötztal Alps, South Tyrol, Italy), Geomorphology, 365, 107261, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2020.107261, 2020.
Frauenfelder, R. and Kääb, A.: Towards a palaeoclimatic model of rock-glacier formation in the Swiss Alps, Ann. Glaciol., 31, 281–286, https://doi.org/10.3189/172756400781820264, 2000.
Gutzler, D. S. and Robbins, T. O.: Climate variability and projected change in the western United States: regional downscaling and drought statistics, Clim. Dynam., 37, 835–849, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00382-010-0838-7, 2011.
Haeberli, W.: Creep of mountain permafrost: internal structure and flow of alpine rock glaciers, Mitteilungen der Versuchsanstalt fur Wasserbau, Hydrologie und Glaziologie an der ETH Zurich, 77, 1985.
Haeberli, W., Hallet, B., Arenson, L., Elconin, R., Humlum, O., Kääb, A., Kaufmann, V., Ladanyi, B., Matsuoka, N., Springman, S., and Mühll, D. V.: Permafrost creep and rock glacier dynamics, Permafrost. Periglac., 17, 189–214, https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp.561, 2006.
Hales, T. C. and Roering, J. J.: Climatic controls on frost cracking and implications for the evolution of bedrock landscapes, J. Geophys. Res.-Earth, 112, F02033, https://doi.org/10.1029/2006JF000616, 2007.
Handwerger, A. L., Fielding, E. J., Huang, M. H., Bennett, G. L., Liang, C., and Schulz, W. H.: Widespread initiation, reactivation, and acceleration of landslides in the northern California Coast Ranges due to extreme rainfall, J. Geophys. Res.-Earth, 124, 1782–1797, https://doi.org/10.1029/2019JF005035, 2019.
Hinzman, L. D., Goering, D. J., and Kane, D. L.: A distributed thermal model for calculating soil temperature profiles and depth of thaw in permafrost regions, J. Geophys. Res.-Atmos., 103, 28975–28991, https://doi.org/10.1029/98JD01731, 1998.
Hoelzle, M. and Haeberli, W.: Simulating the effects of mean annual air-temperature changes on permafrost distribution and glacier size: an example from the Upper Engadin, Swiss Alps, Ann. Glaciol., 21, 399–405, https://doi.org/10.3189/S026030550001613X, 1995.
Ikeda, A., Matsuoka, N., and Kääb, A.: Fast deformation of perennially
frozen debris in a warm rock glacier in the Swiss Alps: An effect of liquid
water, J. Geophys. Res.-Earth, 113, F01021, https://doi.org/10.1029/2007JF000859, 2008.
IPA Action Group Rock Glacier Inventories and Kinematics: Baseline Concepts Version 4.1. Université de Fribourg Geomorphology Research Group, available at: https://www.unifr.ch/geo/geomorphology/en/research/ipa-action-group-rock-glacier/ (last access: 18 August 2021), 2020.
IPCC: Summary for Policymakers, in: Global Warming of 1.5 ∘C. An IPCC
Special Report on the impacts of global warming of 1.5 ∘C
above pre-industrial levels and related global greenhouse gas emission
pathways, in the context of strengthening the global response to the threat of
climate change, sustainable development, and efforts to eradicate poverty,
edited by: Masson-Delmotte, V., Zhai, P., Pörtner, H. O., Roberts, D., Skea, J., Shukla, P. R., Pirani, A., Moufouma-Okia, W., Péan, C., Pidcock, R., Connors, S., Matthews, J. B. R., Chen, Y., Zhou, X., Gomis, M. I., Lonnoy, E., Maycock, T., Tignor, M., and Waterfield, T., World Meteorological Organization, Geneva, Switzerland, 32 pp., 2018.
Iverson, N. R.: Shear resistance and continuity of subglacial till: hydrology rules, J. Glaciol., 56, 1104–1114, https://doi.org/10.3189/002214311796406220, 2010.
Janke, J. R.: Long-term flow measurements (1961–2002) of the Arapaho, Taylor,
and Fair rock glaciers, Front Range, Colorado, Phys. Geogr., 26, 313–336, https://doi.org/10.2747/0272-3646.26.4.313, 2005.
Janke, J. R.: Colorado Front Range rock glaciers: distribution and topographic characteristics, Arct. Antarct. Alp. Res., 39, 74–83, https://doi.org/10.1657/1523-0430(2007)39[74:CFRRGD]2.0.CO;2, 2007.
Janke, J. R., Ng, S., and Bellisario, A.: An inventory and estimate of water stored in firn fields, glaciers, debris-covered glaciers, and rock glaciers in the Aconcagua River Basin, Chile, Geomorphology, 296, 142–152, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2017.09.002, 2017.
Jeppson, R. W.: Hydrologic Atlas of Utah, Utah Water Research Laboratory, Utah
State University, Logan, USA, Paper 297, available at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/water_rep/297 (last access: 18 August 2021), 1968.
Johnson, B. G., Thackray, G. D., and Van Kirk, R.: The effect of topography, latitude, and lithology on rock glacier distribution in the Lemhi Range, central Idaho, USA, Geomorphology, 91, 38–50, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2007.01.023, 2007.
Jones, D. B., Harrison, S., Anderson, K., and Betts, R. A.: Mountain rock glaciers contain globally significant water stores, Sci. Rep.-UK, 8, 2834, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-21244-w, 2018a.
Jones, D. B., Harrison, S., Anderson, K., Selley, H. L., Wood, J. L., and Betts, R. A.: The distribution and hydrological significance of rock glaciers in the Nepalese Himalaya, Global Planet. Change, 160, 123–142, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloplacha.2017.11.005, 2018b.
Kääb, A., Kaufmann, V., Ladstädter, R., and Eiken, T.: Rock glacier dynamics: implications from high resolution measurements of surface velocity fields, in: Proceedings of the Eighth International Conference on Permafrost, Zurich, Balkema, 501–506, 21–25 July 2003.
Kääb, A., Frauenfelder, R., and Roer, I.: On the response of rockglacier creep to surface temperature increase, Global Planet. Change, 56, 172–187, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloplacha.2006.07.005, 2007.
Kääb, A., Strozzi, T., Bolch, T., Caduff, R., Trefall, H., Stoffel, M., and Kokarev, A.: Inventory and changes of rock glacier creep speeds in Ile Alatau and Kungöy Ala-Too, northern Tien Shan, since the 1950s, The Cryosphere, 15, 927–949, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-927-2021, 2021.
Kaufmann, V. and Ladstädter, R.: Mapping of the 3D surface motion field of
Doesen rock glacier (Ankogel group, Austria) and its spatio-temporal change
(1954–1998) by means of digital photogrammetry, in: International Symposium
on High Mountain Remote Sensing Cartography, 14–15 September 2006, Graz, Austria, 127–144, 2007.
Kellerer-Pirklbauer, A., Lieb, G. K., and Kleinferchner, H.: A new rock glacier inventory of the eastern European Alps, Austrian J. Earth Sci., 105, 78–93, 2012.
Kenner, R., Phillips, M., Beutel, J., Hiller, M., Limpach, P., Pointner, E., and Volken, M.: Factors controlling velocity variations at short-term, seasonal and multiyear time scales, Ritigraben rock glacier, Western Swiss Alps, Permafrost. Periglac., 28, 675–684, https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp.1953, 2017.
Kenyi, L. W. and Kaufmann, V.: Estimation of rock glacier surface deformation using SAR interferometry data, IEEE T. Geosci. Remote, 41, 1512–1515, https://doi.org/10.1109/TGRS.2003.811996, 2003.
Krainer, K. and Ribis, M.: A rock glacier inventory of the Tyrolean Alps (Austria), Austrian J. Earth Sci., 105, 32–47, 2012.
Lieb, G. K.: Permafrost und Blockgletscher in den östlichen österreichischen Alpen, Arbeiten aus dem Institut für Geographie der Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz, Band 33, 9–125, 1996.
Lilleøren, K. S. and Etzelmüller, B.: A regional inventory of rock glaciers and ice-cored moraines in Norway, Geogr. Ann. A, 93, 175–191, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-0459.2011.00430.x, 2011.
Lilleøren, K. S., Etzelmüller, B., Gärtner-Roer, I., Kääb, A., Westermann, S., and Guðmundsson, Á.: The distribution, thermal characteristics and dynamics of permafrost in Tröllaskagi, northern Iceland, as inferred from the distribution of rock glaciers and ice-cored moraines, Permafrost. Periglac., 24, 322–335, https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp.1792, 2013.
Liu, L., Millar, C. I., Westfall, R. D., and Zebker, H. A.: Surface motion of active rock glaciers in the Sierra Nevada, California, USA: inventory and a case study using InSAR, The Cryosphere, 7, 1109–1119, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-7-1109-2013, 2013.
Luckman, B. H. and Crockett, K. J.: Distribution and characteristics of rock glaciers in the southern part of Jasper National Park, Alberta, Can. J. Earth Sci., 15, 540–550, https://doi.org/10.1139/e78-060, 1978.
MacDonald, G. M. and Tingstad, A. H.: Recent and multicentennial precipitation
variability and drought occurrence in the Uinta Mountains region, Utah,
Arct. Antarct. Alp. Res., 39, 549–555,
https://doi.org/10.1657/1523-0430(06-070)[MACDONALD]2.0.CO;2, 2007.
Marcer, M., Cicoira, A., Cusicanqui, D., Bodin, X., Echelard, T., Obregon, R., and Schoeneich, P: Rock glaciers throughout the French Alps accelerated and destabilised since 1990 as air temperatures increased, Communications Earth and Environment, 2, 1–11, https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-021-00150-6, 2021.
Minchew, B. M. and Meyer, C. R.: Dilation of subglacial sediment governs incipient surge motion in glaciers with deformable beds, Proc. R. Soc. A, 476, 20200033, https://doi.org/10.1098/rspa.2020.0033, 2020.
Moore, P. L.: Deformation of debris-ice mixtures, Rev. Geophys., 52, 435–467, https://doi.org/10.1002/2014RG000453, 2014.
Müller, J., Vieli, A., and Gärtner-Roer, I.: Rock glaciers on the run – understanding rock glacier landform evolution and recent changes from numerical flow modeling, The Cryosphere, 10, 2865–2886, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-10-2865-2016, 2016.
Munroe, J. S.: Distribution, evidence for internal ice, and possible hydrologic significance of rock glaciers in the Uinta Mountains, Utah, USA, Quaternary Res., 90, 50–65, https://doi.org/10.1017/qua.2018.24, 2018.
Munroe, J. S. and Laabs, B. J. C.: Glacial Geologic Map of the Uinta Mountains Area, Utah and Wyoming, Utah Geological Survey Miscellaneous Publication, Utah Geological Survey, Salt Lake City, USA, 2009.
Nagler, T., Mayer, C., and Rott, H.: Feasibility of DINSAR for mapping complex motion fields of Alpine ice-and rock-glaciers, in: Proceedings of the Third International Symposium on Retrieval of Bio- and Geophysical Parameters from SAR Data for Land Applications, Sheffield, UK, 475, 377–382, 11–14 September 2001.
Necsoiu, M., Onaca, A., Wigginton, S., and Urdea, P.: Rock glacier dynamics in Southern Carpathian Mountains from high-resolution optical and multi-temporal SAR satellite imagery, Remote Sens. Environ., 177, 21–36, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rse.2016.02.025, 2016.
Nicholson, L., Marín, J., Lopez, D., Rabatel, A., Bown, F., and Rivera, A.: Glacier inventory of the upper Huasco valley, Norte Chico, Chile: glacier characteristics, glacier change and comparison with central Chile, Ann. Glaciol., 50, 111–118, https://doi.org/10.3189/172756410790595787, 2009.
Perruchoud, E. and Delaloye, R.: Short-Term Changes in Surface Velocities on the Becs-de-Bosson Rock Glacier (Western Swiss Alps), Grazer Schriften der Geographie und Raumforschung, 43, 2007.
PRISM Climate Group: 30-Year Normals, Oregon State University [data set], available at: http://prism.oregonstate.edu (last access: 18 August 2021), 4 February 2004.
Rangecroft, S., Harrison, S., Anderson, K., Magrath, J., Castel, A. P., and Pacheco, P.: A first rock glacier inventory for the Bolivian Andes, Permafrost. Periglac., 25, 333–343, https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp.1816, 2014.
Rempel, A. W., Marshall, J. A., and Roering, J. J.: Modeling relative frost weathering rates at geomorphic scales, Earth Planet. Sc. Lett., 453, 87–95, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2016.08.019, 2016.
Rick, B., Delaloye, R., Barboux, C., and Strozzi, T.: Detection and
inventorying of slope movements in the Brooks Range, Alaska using DInSAR: a
test study, in: Proceedings of the GEOQuébec 2015: 68th Canadian
Geotechnical Conference and 7th Canadian Permafrost Conference, 20–23 September 2015, Quebec City, Canada,
2015.
Rignot, E., Hallet, B., and Fountain, A.: Rock glacier surface motion in Beacon Valley, Antarctica, from synthetic-aperture radar interferometry, Geophys. Res. Lett., 29, 48-1–48-4, https://doi.org/10.1029/2001GL013494, 2002.
Roer, I., Kääb, A., and Dikau, R.: Rockglacier acceleration in the
Turtmann valley (Swiss Alps): Probable controls, Norsk Geogr. Tidsskr., 59, 157–163, https://doi.org/10.1080/00291950510020655, 2005.
Rosen, P. A., Gurrola, E., Sacco, G. F., and Zebker, H.: The InSAR scientific
computing environment, in: 9th European Conference on Synthetic Aperture
Radar, 23–26 April, Nuremberg, Germany, 730–733, 2012.
Roudnitska, S., Charvet, R., Ribeyre, C., and Favreaux, B. L. Les Glaciers-Rocheux De Savoie: Inventaire, Cartographie Et Risques Associés – Rapport Provisoire, Chambery: Office National des Forets, Service de Restauration des Terrains en Montagne, 2016.
Schaffer, N., MacDonell, S., Réveillet, M., Yáñez, E., and
Valois, R.: Rock glaciers as a water resource in a changing climate in the
semiarid Chilean Andes, Reg. Environ. Change, 19, 1263–1279,
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10113-018-01459-3, 2019.
Schmid, M.-O., Baral, P., Gruber, S., Shahi, S., Shrestha, T., Stumm, D., and Wester, P.: Assessment of permafrost distribution maps in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region using rock glaciers mapped in Google Earth, The Cryosphere, 9, 2089–2099, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-9-2089-2015, 2015.
Schmidt, D. A. and Bürgmann, R.: Time-dependent land uplift and subsidence in the Santa Clara valley, California, from a large interferometric synthetic aperture radar data set, J. Geophys. Res.-Sol. Ea., 108, 2416–2428, https://doi.org/10.1029/2002JB002267, 2003.
Sears, J. W., Graff, P. J., and Holden, G. S.: Tectonic evolution of lower Proterozoic rocks, Uinta Mountains, Utah and Colorado, Geol. Soc. Am. Bull., 93, 990–997, https://doi.org/10.1130/0016-7606(1982)93<990:TEOLPR>2.0.CO;2, 1982.
Strozzi, T., Kääb, A., and Frauenfelder, R.: Detecting and quantifying mountain permafrost creep from in situ inventory, space-borne radar interferometry and airborne digital photogrammetry, Int. J. Remote Sens., 25, 2919–2931, https://doi.org/10.1080/0143116042000192330, 2004.
Strozzi, T., Caduff, R., Jones, N., Barboux, C., Delaloye, R., Bodin, X., Kääb, A., Mätzler, E., and Schrott, L.: Monitoring rock glacier kinematics with satellite synthetic aperture radar. Remote Sens.-Basel, 12, 559, https://doi.org/10.3390/rs12030559, 2020.
Tingstad, A. H.: Climate variability and ecological response in the Uinta Mountains, Utah, inferred from diatoms and tree-rings, PhD thesis, University of California, Los Angeles, USA, 2010.
Villarroel, C., Tamburini Beliveau, G., Forte, A., Monserrat, O., and Morvillo, M.: DInSAR for a regional inventory of active rock glaciers in the dry Andes Mountains of Argentina and Chile with Sentinel-1 data, Remote Sens.-Basel, 10, 1588, https://doi.org/10.3390/rs10101588, 2018.
Vonder Mühll, D., Noetzli, J., Roer, I., Makowski, K., and Delaloye, R.:
Permafrost in Switzerland 2002/2003 and 2003/2004, Glaciological Report
(Permafrost) No. 4/5, 2007.
Wahrhaftig, C. and Cox, A.: Rock glaciers in the Alaska Range, Geol. Soc. Am. Bull., 70, 383–436, https://doi.org/10.1130/0016-7606(1959)70[383:RGITAR]2.0.CO;2, 1959.
Wang, X., Liu, L., Zhao, L., Wu, T., Li, Z., and Liu, G.: Mapping and inventorying active rock glaciers in the northern Tien Shan of China using satellite SAR interferometry, The Cryosphere, 11, 997–1014, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-11-997-2017, 2017.
Wirz, V., Gruber, S., Purves, R. S., Beutel, J., Gärtner-Roer, I., Gubler, S., and Vieli, A.: Short-term velocity variations at three rock glaciers and their relationship with meteorological conditions, Earth Surf. Dynam., 4, 103–123, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-4-103-2016, 2016.
Zasadni, J. and Kłapyta, P.: From valley to marginal glaciation in alpine-type relief: Late glacial glacier advances in the Pięć Stawów Polskich/Roztoka Valley, High Tatra Mountains, Poland, Geomorphology, 253, 406–424, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2015.10.032, 2016.
Short summary
We use satellite InSAR to inventory and monitor rock glaciers, frozen bodies of ice and rock debris that are an important water resource in the Uinta Mountains, Utah, USA. Our inventory contains 205 rock glaciers, which occur within a narrow elevation band and deform at 1.94 cm yr-1 on average. Uinta rock glacier movement changes seasonally and appears to be driven by spring snowmelt. The role of rock glaciers as a perennial water resource is threatened by ice loss due to climate change.
We use satellite InSAR to inventory and monitor rock glaciers, frozen bodies of ice and rock...
