Thermal Evidence of Recent Talik Formation in Ritigraben Rock Glacier: Swiss Alps

摘要

Borehole temperatures from Ritigraben rock glacier in the western Swiss Alps indicate the presence of a seasonal positive thermal anomaly at 12 to 13 m depth from summer 2007 onwards. The thermal characteristics of this talik are investigated and the origins of the water flowing within the permafrost discussed. It is shown that there is a direct link between snow melt and/or precipitation and temperature fluctuations within the talik, suggesting the presence of an open channel system within the rock glacier.