Austrian Journal of Earth Sciences Volume 105/2 Vienna 2012 The evolution of rock glacier monitoring using terres- trial photogrammetry: the example of Äußeres Hoch- ebenkar rock glacier (Austria)____________________________ Viktor KAUFMANN KEYWORDS Terrestrial photogrammetry Deformation measurement Graz University of Technology, Institute of Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry, Äußeres Hochebenkar Steyrergasse 30, A-8010 Graz, Austria; Rock glacier Ötztal Alps
[email protected] Monitoring Abstract Rock glaciers are creep phenomena of mountain permafrost and have been the subject of research for over 100 years. Rock gla- ciers are lobate or tongue-shaped bodies of perennially frozen ice-rich unconsolidated material. Active rock glaciers creep down- slope by force of gravity. Mean annual flow velocities are in the order of a few centimeters to several meters per year. Rock glacier surfaces typically show furrows and ridges which are visible expressions of active flow and cumulative deformation. The kinematics of rock glaciers can be determined by different measurement techniques. Terrestrial (ground-based or close-range) photogrammetry was one of the first successful methods for detecting and quantifying surface changes in rock glaciers. Flow velocity was a typical parameter derived from this. The 2D or even 3D kinematics of the rock glacier surface is needed for rheological models. In recent years, active rock glaciers have also become the focus of climate change research. Atmospheric warming is supposed to influence flow/creep velocity of rock glaciers, which can thus be seen as indicators of environmental change in mountainous regions. Melting of the subsurface ice causes surface lowering, which in the worst case may lead to active landsliding and even a total collapse of the rock glacier surface.