Articles | Volume 18, issue 7
https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-3141-2024
© Author(s) 2024. 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-18-3141-2024
© Author(s) 2024. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
05 Jul 2024
Research article |
| 05 Jul 2024
| 05 Jul 2024
Short-term cooling, drying, and deceleration of an ice-rich rock glacier
Permafrost, Alpine Environment and Natural Hazards, WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF, 7260 Davos Dorf, Switzerland
Climate Change, Extremes and Natural Hazards in Alpine Regions Research Centre CERC, 7260 Davos Dorf, Switzerland
Robert Kenner
Permafrost, Alpine Environment and Natural Hazards, WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF, 7260 Davos Dorf, Switzerland
Climate Change, Extremes and Natural Hazards in Alpine Regions Research Centre CERC, 7260 Davos Dorf, Switzerland
Marcia Phillips
Permafrost, Alpine Environment and Natural Hazards, WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF, 7260 Davos Dorf, Switzerland
Climate Change, Extremes and Natural Hazards in Alpine Regions Research Centre CERC, 7260 Davos Dorf, Switzerland
Related authors
Samuel Weber, Jan Beutel, Michael Dietze, Alexander Bast, Robert Kenner, Marcia Phillips, Johannes Leinauer, Simon Mühlbauer, Felix Pfluger, and Michael Krautblatter
Earth Surf. Dynam., 13, 1157–1179, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-13-1157-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-13-1157-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
On 13 June 2023, a freestanding rock pillar on the Matterhorn collapsed after years of weakening. Our study examines this progressive destabilization by analyzing field data and integrating lab experiments into a hydro-mechanical model. We highlight the critical role of water infiltration into frozen rock, intensified by climate warming, as a widespread driver of the rising frequency of rockfalls in high mountain permafrost regions.
Mirko Pavoni, Luca Peruzzo, Jacopo Boaga, Alberto Carrera, Ilaria Barone, and Alexander Bast
The Cryosphere, 19, 4141–4148, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-19-4141-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-19-4141-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
We propose an alternative electrode to perform Electrical Resistivity Tomography measurements in coarse blocky environments, such as rock glaciers. Compared to the traditional steel spike electrodes, which need to be hammered between the blocks, the proposed steel-net electrodes can be easily pushed between the builders by hand and then removed. Furthermore, the steel-net electrode weighs one-sixth of the steel spike, and is, therefore, easier to carry in challenging mountain environments.
Ilaria Barone, Alexander Bast, Mirko Pavoni, Steven Javier Gaona Torres, and Jacopo Boaga
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-962, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-962, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Different geophysical methods such as electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), seismic refraction tomography (SRT) and multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) were jointly used to characterize the internal structure of the Flüela rock glacier, Switzerland. We show that the MASW method can efficiently resolve an ice-rich layer even in presence of a supra-permafrost water flow, a situation when SRT may fail. Our results are corroborated by seismic synthetic modelling.
Jacopo Boaga, Mirko Pavoni, Alexander Bast, and Samuel Weber
The Cryosphere, 18, 3231–3236, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-3231-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-3231-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Reversal polarity is observed in rock glacier seismic refraction tomography. We collected several datasets observing this phenomenon in Switzerland and Italy. This phase change may be linked to interferences due to the presence of a thin low-velocity layer. Our results are confirmed by the modelling and analysis of synthetic seismograms to demonstrate that the presence of a low-velocity layer produces a polarity reversal on the seismic gather.
Marcia Phillips, Chasper Buchli, Samuel Weber, Jacopo Boaga, Mirko Pavoni, and Alexander Bast
The Cryosphere, 17, 753–760, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-753-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-753-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
A new combination of temperature, water pressure and cross-borehole electrical resistivity data is used to investigate ice/water contents in an ice-rich rock glacier. The landform is close to 0°C and has locally heterogeneous characteristics, ice/water contents and temperatures. The techniques presented continuously monitor temporal and spatial phase changes to a depth of 12 m and provide the basis for a better understanding of accelerating rock glacier movements and future water availability.
Samuel Weber, Jan Beutel, Michael Dietze, Alexander Bast, Robert Kenner, Marcia Phillips, Johannes Leinauer, Simon Mühlbauer, Felix Pfluger, and Michael Krautblatter
Earth Surf. Dynam., 13, 1157–1179, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-13-1157-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-13-1157-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
On 13 June 2023, a freestanding rock pillar on the Matterhorn collapsed after years of weakening. Our study examines this progressive destabilization by analyzing field data and integrating lab experiments into a hydro-mechanical model. We highlight the critical role of water infiltration into frozen rock, intensified by climate warming, as a widespread driver of the rising frequency of rockfalls in high mountain permafrost regions.
Elizaveta Sharaborova, Michael Lehning, Nander Wever, Marcia Phillips, and Hendrik Huwald
The Cryosphere, 19, 4277–4301, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-19-4277-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-19-4277-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Global warming provokes permafrost to thaw, damaging landscapes and infrastructure. This study explores methods to slow this thawing at an alpine site. We investigate different methods based on passive and active cooling. The best approach mixes both methods and manages heat flow, potentially allowing excess energy to be used locally.
Mirko Pavoni, Luca Peruzzo, Jacopo Boaga, Alberto Carrera, Ilaria Barone, and Alexander Bast
The Cryosphere, 19, 4141–4148, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-19-4141-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-19-4141-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
We propose an alternative electrode to perform Electrical Resistivity Tomography measurements in coarse blocky environments, such as rock glaciers. Compared to the traditional steel spike electrodes, which need to be hammered between the blocks, the proposed steel-net electrodes can be easily pushed between the builders by hand and then removed. Furthermore, the steel-net electrode weighs one-sixth of the steel spike, and is, therefore, easier to carry in challenging mountain environments.
Ilaria Barone, Alexander Bast, Mirko Pavoni, Steven Javier Gaona Torres, and Jacopo Boaga
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-962, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-962, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Different geophysical methods such as electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), seismic refraction tomography (SRT) and multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) were jointly used to characterize the internal structure of the Flüela rock glacier, Switzerland. We show that the MASW method can efficiently resolve an ice-rich layer even in presence of a supra-permafrost water flow, a situation when SRT may fail. Our results are corroborated by seismic synthetic modelling.
Jacopo Boaga, Mirko Pavoni, Alexander Bast, and Samuel Weber
The Cryosphere, 18, 3231–3236, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-3231-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-3231-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Reversal polarity is observed in rock glacier seismic refraction tomography. We collected several datasets observing this phenomenon in Switzerland and Italy. This phase change may be linked to interferences due to the presence of a thin low-velocity layer. Our results are confirmed by the modelling and analysis of synthetic seismograms to demonstrate that the presence of a low-velocity layer produces a polarity reversal on the seismic gather.
Lars Widmer, Marcia Phillips, and Chasper Buchli
The Cryosphere, 17, 4289–4295, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-4289-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-4289-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Long-term temperature measurements are challenging to carry out in mountain-permafrost boreholes. The widely used resistance thermistors are highly accurate but prone to drift when they are exposed to moisture, or the cable connecting them is stretched. We explore the possibility of supplementing them with digital sensors and analyse the performance of both systems at 15 depths in the same mountain-permafrost borehole.
Marcia Phillips, Chasper Buchli, Samuel Weber, Jacopo Boaga, Mirko Pavoni, and Alexander Bast
The Cryosphere, 17, 753–760, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-753-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-753-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
A new combination of temperature, water pressure and cross-borehole electrical resistivity data is used to investigate ice/water contents in an ice-rich rock glacier. The landform is close to 0°C and has locally heterogeneous characteristics, ice/water contents and temperatures. The techniques presented continuously monitor temporal and spatial phase changes to a depth of 12 m and provide the basis for a better understanding of accelerating rock glacier movements and future water availability.
Alessandro Cicoira, Samuel Weber, Andreas Biri, Ben Buchli, Reynald Delaloye, Reto Da Forno, Isabelle Gärtner-Roer, Stephan Gruber, Tonio Gsell, Andreas Hasler, Roman Lim, Philippe Limpach, Raphael Mayoraz, Matthias Meyer, Jeannette Noetzli, Marcia Phillips, Eric Pointner, Hugo Raetzo, Cristian Scapozza, Tazio Strozzi, Lothar Thiele, Andreas Vieli, Daniel Vonder Mühll, Vanessa Wirz, and Jan Beutel
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 14, 5061–5091, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-14-5061-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-14-5061-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
This paper documents a monitoring network of 54 positions, located on different periglacial landforms in the Swiss Alps: rock glaciers, landslides, and steep rock walls. The data serve basic research but also decision-making and mitigation of natural hazards. It is the largest dataset of its kind, comprising over 209 000 daily positions and additional weather data.
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.
Ayachit, U.: The ParaView Guide: A Parallel Visualization Application, Kitware, Inc., Clifton Park, NY, USA, 276 pp., 2015.
Bartelt, P. and Lehning, M.: A physical SNOWPACK model for the Swiss avalanche warning Part I: numerical model, Cold Reg. Sci. Technol., 35, 123–145, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0165-232x(02)00074-5, 2002.
Bearzot, F., Garzonio, R., Di Mauro, B., Colombo, R., Cremonese, E., Crosta, G. B., Delaloye, R., Hauck, C., Morra Di Cella, U., Pogliotti, P., Frattini, P., and Rossini, M.: Kinematics of an Alpine rock glacier from multi-temporal UAV surveys and GNSS data, Geomorphology, 402, 108116, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2022.108116, 2022.
Bertone, A., Barboux, C., Bodin, X., Bolch, T., Brardinoni, F., Caduff, R., Christiansen, H. H., Darrow, M. M., Delaloye, R., Etzelmüller, B., Humlum, O., Lambiel, C., Lilleøren, K. S., Mair, V., Pellegrinon, G., Rouyet, L., Ruiz, L., and Strozzi, T.: Incorporating InSAR kinematics into rock glacier inventories: insights from 11 regions worldwide, The Cryosphere, 16, 2769–2792, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-2769-2022, 2022.
Bertone, A., Seppi, R., Callegari, M., Cuozzo, G., Dematteis, N., Krainer, K., Marin, C., Notarnicola, C., and Zucca, F.: Unprecedented Observation of Hourly Rock Glacier Velocity With Ground-Based SAR, Geophys. Res. Lett., 50, e2023GL102796, https://doi.org/10.1029/2023GL102796, 2023.
Bi, J., Wang, G., Wu, Z., Wen, H., Zhang, Y., Lin, G., and Sun, T.: Investigation on unfrozen water content models of freezing soils, Front. Earth Sci., 10, 1–17, https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2022.1039330, 2023.
Binley, A.: 11.08 – Tools and Techniques: Electrical Methods, in: Treatise on Geophysics, Second Edition, edited by: Schubert, G., Elsevier, Oxford, 233–259,https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-444-53802-4.00192-5, 2015.
Binley, A. and Slater, L.: Resistivity and Induced Polarization: Theory and Applications to the Near-Surface Earth, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108685955, 2020.
Blanchy, G., Saneiyan, S., Boyd, J., McLachlan, P., and Binley, A.: ResIPy, an intuitive open source software for complex geoelectrical inversion/modeling, Comput. Geosci., 137, 104423, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cageo.2020.104423, 2020.
Boaga, J., Phillips, M., Noetzli, J., Haberkorn, A., Kenner, R., and Bast, A.: A Comparison of Frequency Domain Electro-Magnetometry, Electrical Resistivity Tomography and Borehole Temperatures to Assess the Presence of Ice in a Rock Glacier, Front. Earth Sci., 8, 1–11, https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2020.586430, 2020.
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, 2019a.
Cicoira, A., Beutel, J., Faillettaz, J., Gärtner-Roer, I., and Vieli, A.: Resolving the influence of temperature forcing through heat conduction on rock glacier dynamics: a numerical modelling approach, The Cryosphere, 13, 927–942, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-13-927-2019, 2019b.
Cicoira, A., Marcer, M., Gärtner-Roer, I., Bodin, X., Arenson, L. U., and Vieli, A.: A general theory of rock glacier creep based on in-situ and remote sensing observations, Permafrost Periglac., 32, 139–153,https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp.2090, 2021.
Cicoira, A., Weber, S., Biri, A., Buchli, B., Delaloye, R., Da Forno, R., Gärtner-Roer, I., Gruber, S., Gsell, T., Hasler, A., Lim, R., Limpach, P., Mayoraz, R., Meyer, M., Noetzli, J., Phillips, M., Pointner, E., Raetzo, H., Scapozza, C., Strozzi, T., Thiele, L., Vieli, A., Vonder Mühll, D., Wirz, V., and Beutel, J.: In situ observations of the Swiss periglacial environment using GNSS instruments, Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 14, 5061–5091, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-14-5061-2022, 2022.
Crameri, F.: Scientific colour maps (8.0.1), Zenodo [code], https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8409685, 2023.
Crameri, F., Shephard, G. E., and Heron, P. J.: The misuse of colour in science communication, Nat. Commun., 11, 5444, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-19160-7, 2020.
Cremona, A., Huss, M., Landmann, J. M., Borner, J., and Farinotti, D.: European heat waves 2022: contribution to extreme glacier melt in Switzerland inferred from automated ablation readings, The Cryosphere, 17, 1895–1912, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-1895-2023, 2023.
Dahlin, T.: Short note on electrode charge-up effects in DC resistivity data acquisition using multi-electrode arrays, Geophys. Prospect., 48, 181–187, https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2478.2000.00172.x, 2000.
Delaloye, R., Perruchoud, E., Avian, M., Kaufmann, V., Bodin, X., Hausmann, H., Ikeda, A., Kääb, A., Kellerer-Pirklbauer, A., Krainer, K., Lambiel, C., Mihajlovic, D., Staub, B., Roer, I., and Thibert, E.: Recent interannual variations of rock glacier creep in the European Alps, 9th International Conference on Permafrost, 29 June 2008–3 July 2008, Fairbanks, Alaska, 343–348, https://doi.org/10.5167/uzh-7031, 2008.
Delaloye, R., Lambiel, C., and Gärtner-Roer, I.: Overview of rock glacier kinematics research in the Swiss Alps, Geographica Helvetica, 65, 145–161, https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp.413, 2010a.
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, 2010b.
Dunn, O. J.: Multiple Comparisons Using Rank Sums, Technometrics, 6, 241–252, https://doi.org/10.1080/00401706.1964.10490181, 1964.
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, Ádjet, Norway, Documented by 62 Years of Remote Sensing Observations, Geophys. Res. Lett., 45, 8314–8323, https://doi.org/10.1029/2018GL077605, 2018.
Fleischer, F., Haas, F., Piermattei, L., Pfeiffer, M., Heckmann, T., Altmann, M., Rom, J., Stark, M., Wimmer, M. H., Pfeifer, N., and Becht, M.: Multi-decadal (1953–2017) rock glacier kinematics analysed by high-resolution topographic data in the upper Kaunertal, Austria, The Cryosphere, 15, 5345–5369, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-5345-2021, 2021.
Flores Orozco, A., Kemna, A., Binley, A., and Cassiani, G.: Analysis of time-lapse data error in complex conductivity imaging to alleviate anthropogenic noise for site characterization, Geophysics, 84, B181–B193, https://doi.org/10.1190/geo2017-0755.1, 2019.
Hauck, C.: New Concepts in Geophysical Surveying and Data Interpretation for Permafrost Terrain, Permafrost Periglac., 24, 131–137, https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp.1774, 2013.
Hauck, C. and Kneisel, C. (Eds.): Applied Geophysics in Periglacial Environments, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511535628, 2008.
Hauck, C., Böttcher, M., and Maurer, H.: A new model for estimating subsurface ice content based on combined electrical and seismic data sets, The Cryosphere, 5, 453–468, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-5-453-2011, 2011.
Hilbich, C., Marescot, L., Hauck, C., Loke, M. H., and Mäusbacher, R.: Applicability of Electrical Resistivity Tomography Monitoring to Coarse Blocky and Ice-rich Permafrost Landforms, Permafrost Periglac., 20, 269–284, https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp.652, 2009.
Hilbich, C., Fuss, C., and Hauck, C.: Automated Time-lapse ERT for Improved Process Analysis and Monitoring of Frozen Ground, Permafrost Periglac., 22, 306–319,https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp.732, 2011.
Hintze, J. L. and Nelson, R. D.: Violin Plots: A Box Plot-Density Trace Synergism, Am. Stat., 52, 181–184, https://doi.org/10.1080/00031305.1998.10480559, 1998.
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, 1–12, https://doi.org/10.1029/2007JF000859, 2008.
IMIS: Description of automated stations, WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF, Davos Dorf, Switzerland, https://www.slf.ch/en/avalanche-bulletin-and-snow-situation/measured-values/description-of-automated-stations/ (last access: 6 October 2023).
Intercantonal Measurement and Information System IMIS: IMIS measuring network, EnviDat [dataset], https://doi.org/10.16904/envidat.406, 2023.
Jennings, K. S., Winchell, T. S., Livneh, B., and Molotch, N. P.: Spatial variation of the rain–snow temperature threshold across the Northern Hemisphere, Nat. Commun., 9, 1148, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-018-03629-7, 2018.
Kassambara, A.: rstatix: Pipe-Friendly Framework for Basic Statistical Tests (V0.7.2), CRAN [code], https://doi.org/10.32614/CRAN.package.rstatix, 2023.
Kellerer-Pirklbauer, A. and Kaufmann, V.: About the relationship between rock glacier velocity and climate parameters in central Austria, Austrian J. Earth Sc., 105, 94–112, 2012.
Kellerer-Pirklbauer, A., Bodin, X., Delaloye, R., Lambiel, C., Gärtner-Roer, I., Bonnefoy-Demongeot, M., Carturan, L., Damm, B., Eulenstein, J., Fischer, A., Hartl, L., Ikeda, A., Kaufmann, V., Krainer, K., Matsuoka, N., Morra Di Cella, U., Noetzli, J., Seppi, R., Scapozza, C., Schoeneich, P., Stocker-Waldhuber, M., Thibert, E., and Zumiani, M.: Acceleration and interannual variability of creep rates in mountain permafrost landforms (rock glacier velocities) in the European Alps in 1995–2022, Environ. Res. Lett., 19, 034022, https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ad25a4, 2024.
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.
Kenner, R., Noetzli, J., Hoelzle, M., Raetzo, H., and Phillips, M.: Distinguishing ice-rich and ice-poor permafrost to map ground temperatures and ground ice occurrence in the Swiss Alps, The Cryosphere, 13, 1925–1941, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-13-1925-2019, 2019.
Kenner, R., Pruessner, L., Beutel, J., Limpach, P., and Phillips, M.: How rock glacier hydrology, deformation velocities and ground temperatures interact: Examples from the Swiss Alps, Permafrost Periglac., 31, 3–14,https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp.2023, 2020.
Kneisel, C., Hauck, C., Fortier, R., and Moorman, B.: Advances in geophysical methods for permafrost investigations, Permafrost Periglac., 19, 157–178, https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp.616, 2008.
Krainer, K. and Mostler, W.: Hydrology of Active Rock Glaciers: Examples from the Austrian Alps, Arct. Antarct. Alp. Res., 34, 142–149, https://doi.org/10.1080/15230430.2002.12003478, 2002.
Kruskal, W. H. and Wallis, W. A.: Use of Ranks in One-Criterion Variance Analysis, J. Am. Stat. Assoc., 47, 583–621, https://doi.org/10.1080/01621459.1952.10483441, 1952.
LaBrecque, D. J. and Yang, X.: Difference Inversion of ERT Data: a Fast Inversion Method for 3-D In Situ Monitoring, J. Environ. Eng. Geoph., 6, 83–89, https://doi.org/10.4133/JEEG6.2.83, 2001.
Lehning, M., Bartelt, P., Brown, B., and Fierz, C.: A physical SNOWPACK model for the Swiss avalanche warning Part III: Meteorological forcing, thin layer formation and evaluation, Cold Reg. Sci. Technol., 35, 169–184, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0165-232x(02)00072-1, 2002a.
Lehning, M., Bartelt, P., Brown, B., Fierz, C., and Satyawali, P.: A physical SNOWPACK model for the Swiss avalanche warning Part II: Snow microstructure, Cold Reg. Sci. Technol., 35, 147–167, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0165-232x(02)00073-3, 2002b.
Luethi, R. and Phillips, M.: Challenges and solutions for long-term permafrost borehole temperature monitoring and data interpretation, Geogr. Helv., 71, 121–131, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-71-121-2016, 2016.
McGill, R., Tukey, J. W., and Larsen, W. A.: Variations of Box Plots, Am. Stat., 32, 12–16, https://doi.org/10.2307/2683468, 1978.
MeteoSwiss: Measuring values and measuring networks. Measured values, measuring networks and information on the individual measuring stations, MeteoSwiss [dataset], https://www.meteoswiss.admin.ch/services-and-publications/applications/measurement-values-and-measuring-networks.html#param=messwerte-lufttemperatur-10min&lang=en&swisstopoApiKey=cpZJOL3HuO5yENksi97q&station=COV&chart=month&table=false&compare=y (last access: 22 January 2024), 2024.
Micheletti, N., Lambiel, C., and Lane, S. N.: Investigating decadal-scale geomorphic dynamics in an alpine mountain setting, J. Geophys. Res.-Earth, 120, 2155–2175,https://doi.org/10.1002/2015JF003656, 2015.
Mollaret, C., Hilbich, C., Pellet, C., Flores-Orozco, A., Delaloye, R., and Hauck, C.: Mountain permafrost degradation documented through a network of permanent electrical resistivity tomography sites, The Cryosphere, 13, 2557–2578, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-13-2557-2019, 2019.
Musil, M., Maurer, H., Hollinger, K., and Green, A. G.: Internal structure of an alpine rock glacier based on crosshole georadar traveltimes and amplitudes, Geophys. Prospect., 54, 273–285, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2478.2006.00534.x, 2006.
Noetzli, J., Arenson, L. U., Bast, A., Beutel, J., Delaloye, R., Farinotti, D., Gruber, S., Gubler, H., Haeberli, W., Hasler, A., Hauck, C., Hiller, M., Hoelzle, M., Lambiel, C., Pellet, C., Springman, S. M., Vonder Muehll, D., and Phillips, M.: Best Practice for Measuring Permafrost Temperature in Boreholes Based on the Experience in the Swiss Alps, Front. Earth Sci., 9, 607875, https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2021.607875, 2021.
Oldenborger, G. A. and LeBlanc, A. M.: Monitoring changes in unfrozen water content with electrical resistivity surveys in cold continuous permafrost, Geophys. J. Int., 215, 965–977, https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggy321, 2018.
Ott, E., Frehner, M., Frey, H.-U., and Lüscher, P.: Gebirgsnadelwälder: Ein praxisorientierter Leitfaden für eine standortgerechte Waldbehandlung, Haupt, Bern, 287 , ISBN 3-258-05601-3, 1997.
Pavoni, M., Boaga, J., Wagner, F. M., Bast, A., and Phillips, M.: Characterization of rock glaciers environments combining structurally-coupled and petrophysically-coupled joint inversions of electrical resistivity and seismic refraction datasets, J. Appl. Geophys., 215, 105097,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jappgeo.2023.105097, 2023.
PERMOS: PERMOS database, PERMOS [dataset], https://doi.org/10.13093/permos-2024-01, 2023a.
PERMOS (Ed.): Swiss Permafrost Bulletin 2022, Swiss Permafrost Monitoring Network (PERMOS), 22 pp., PERMOS, https://www.permos.ch/fileadmin/Files/publications/swiss_permafrost_bulletin/PERMOS_bulletin_2022.pdf (last access: 25 June 2024), 2023b.
Peters, T.: 1257 St. Moritz/S. Murezzan, Erläuterungen zum Geologischen Atlas der Schweiz 1:25 000, Bundesamt für Wasser und Geologie, Bern, ISBN 3-96723-78-X, 2005.
Phillips, M., Buchli, C., Weber, S., Boaga, J., Pavoni, M., and Bast, A.: Brief communication: Combining borehole temperature, borehole piezometer and cross-borehole electrical resistivity tomography measurements to investigate seasonal changes in ice-rich mountain permafrost, The Cryosphere, 17, 753–760, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-753-2023, 2023.
Posit-Team: RStudio: Integrated Development Environment for R, Posit Software [code], http://www.posit.co/ (last access: 25 June 2024), 2022.
R-core-Team: A Language and Environment for Statistical Computing, R Foundation for Statistical Computing, https://www.R-project.org (last access: 25 June 2024), (4.2.2) [code], 2022.
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.
Roesgen, T. and Totaro, R.: Two-dimensional on-line particle imaging velocimetry, Exp. Fluids, 19, 188–193, https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00189707, 1995.
Rohrer, M.: Determination of the transition air temperature from snow to rain and intensity of precipitation, WMO-IAHS-ETH International Workshop on Precipitation Measurement, St Moritz, 3–7 December 1989, 475–582, https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.1.3397.5280, 1989.
Romanovsky, V. E. and Osterkamp, T. E.: Effects of unfrozen water on heat and mass transport processes in the active layer and permafrost, Permafrost Periglac., 11, 219–239,https://doi.org/10.1002/1099-1530(200007/09)11:3<219::AID-PPP352>3.0.CO;2-7, 2000.
Staub, B. and Delaloye, R.: Using Near-Surface Ground Temperature Data to Derive Snow Insulation and Melt Indices for Mountain Permafrost Applications, Permafrost Periglac., 28, 237–248, https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp.1890, 2017.
Thibert, E. and Bodin, X.: Changes in surface velocities over four decades on the Laurichard rock glacier (French Alps), Permafrost Periglac., 33, 323–335,https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp.2159, 2022.
Tomczak, M. and Tomczak, E.: The need to report effect size estimates revisited. An overview of some recommended measures of effect size, TRENDS in Sport Sciences, 1, 19–25, 2014.
Vivero, S., Hendrickx, H., Frankl, A., Delaloye, R., and Lambiel, C.: Kinematics and geomorphological changes of a destabilising rock glacier captured from close-range sensing techniques (Tsarmine rock glacier, Western Swiss Alps), Front. Earth Sci., 10, https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2022.1017949, 2022.
Vonder Mühll, D. S. and Holub, P.: Borehole logging in alpine permafrost, upper Engadin, Swiss Alps, Permafrost Periglac., 3, 125–132,https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp.3430030209, 1992.
Williams, P. J.: Unfrozen Water Content of Frozen Soils and Soil Moisture Suction, Géotechnique, 14, 231–246, https://doi.org/10.1680/geot.1964.14.3.231, 1964.
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.
Yang, X. J., Lassen, R. N., Jensen, K. H., and Looms, M. C.: Monitoring CO migration in a shallow sand aquifer using 3D crosshole electrical resistivity tomography, Int. J. Greenh. Gas Con., 42, 534–544, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijggc.2015.09.005, 2015.
Zenklusen Mutter, E. and Phillips, M.: Active Layer Characteristics At Ten Borehole Sites In Alpine Permafrost Terrain, Switzerland, Permafrost Periglac., 23, 138–151, https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp.1738, 2012a.
Zenklusen Mutter, E. and Phillips, M.: Thermal evidence of recent talik formation in Ritigraben rock glacier: Swiss Alps, Tenth International Conference on Permafrost, 25–29 June 2012, Salekhard, Russia, The Fort Dialog-Iset, 479–483, 2012b.
Short summary
We monitor ground temperature, water pressure, and relative ice/water contents in a creeping ice-rich rock glacier in mountain permafrost to study its characteristics during a deceleration period with dry conditions and a summer heat wave. The snowpack has an important role as a provider of water and as a thermal insulator. Snow-poor winters, followed by dry summers, induce cooling and drying of the permafrost, leading to rock glacier deceleration.
We monitor ground temperature, water pressure, and relative ice/water contents in a creeping...
