| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4685540 | Geomorphology | 2011 | 9 Pages |
Whether rock glaciers are permafrost creep features or may also be related to glaciers in non-permafrost environments, and whether they should be defined by genesis or appearance, have caused heated debate for several decades. This paper analyses the rock glacier debate from a theoretical viewpoint, in order to highlight and discuss underlying problems and with the aim of providing a common conceptual framework from which to proceed. It is suggested that the morphological rock glacier definition should be abandoned. A new genetic definition is proposed where permafrost is the primary condition, but where the deforming ice/debris may be of both glacial and periglacial origin.
► Underlying reasons for the rock glacier debate are identified ► Permafrost is a necessary condition for rock glacier development ► A permafrost origin is compatible with glacial ice content in rock glaciers ► A new definition of rock glaciers is proposed
