Sediment transfer rates of two active rockglaciers in the Swiss Alps

High mountain geosystems are characterized by an extensive transfer of mass and energy, reflected in its geomorphological processes shaping the landscape. Within the periglacial belt, rockglaciers represent important sediment storages and transport components. In this study, sediment transfer rates are quantified for two rockglaciers with different characteristics, based on a multi-method approach combining geomorphological mapping, DTM analyses, digital photogrammetry and geodetic survey. For the first time different velocity values, resulting from a kinematic monitoring over two decades, are included. Due to the different characteristics of the landforms (especially thickness and horizontal velocity), a wide range of sediment transfer rates results from this study: between 0.24 and 1.1 million t/a, with the maximum value for a rockglacier with a relatively small mass but high deformation rates.

► Sediment transfer rates are quantified for two permafrost landforms in the Alps. ► Field surveys and remote sensing are combined for the analysis. ► For the first time multitemporal velocity values are included. ► Maximum sediment transfer rates relate to high deformation rates.