High runout distances characterize landslides falling on glaciers because of (1) low friction offered by ice to sliding and (2) complex rock-ice interactions that take place during mass motion. Block-fall models (two (2D) and three dimensional (3D) were tested on the 1936 Felik landslide (Mount Rosa Massif). Geotechnical parameters were assessed through a back-analysis aided by field surveys, aerial photo and historical data analysis. Outcomes are verified for two rock-ice avalanches which ran along the Brenva Glacier (Mount Blanc Massif) in 1920 and 1997. Empirical models show poor precision (75%). 3D numerical models are too complex but 2D ones gave results that pointed out that real runouts exceed predicted ones by 30%, possibly due to fluidization processes. Rock-ice avalanches require attention because they originate in areas likely destined to experience permafrost degradation and glacier retreat. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley and Sons, Ltd.
CITATION STYLE
Bottino, G., Chiarle, M., Joly, A., & Mortara, G. (2002). Modelling rock avalanches and their relation to permafrost degradation in glacial environments. Permafrost and Periglacial Processes, 13(4), 283–288. https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp.432
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