Solifluction rates and environmental controls at local and regional scales in central Austria |
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Authors: | Andreas Kellerer-Pirklbauer |
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Institution: | Working Group Alpine Landscape Dynamics (ALADYN), Department of Geography and Regional Science, University of Graz, Heinrichstrasse 36, AT-8010 Graz, Austria |
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Abstract: | Solifluction is a widespread periglacial phenomenon. Little is known about present solifluction rates in Austria. The author monitored five solifluction lobes during a four-year period. Annual rates of surface velocity, vertical velocity profiles, depths of movement, and volumetric velocities were quantified using near-surface markers and painted lines. Environmental conditions were assessed using air temperature, soil texture, and ground temperature-derived parameters. The latter were used to estimate the relevance of needle-ice creep, diurnal frost creep, annual frost creep, and gelifluction. The mean surface velocity rates were 3.5–6.1 cm yr?1 (near-surface markers) and 6.2–8.9 cm yr?1 (painted lines), respectively, indicating a high relevance of needle-ice creep. The mean depth of movement was 32.5–40 cm. The mean volumetric velocities were 71–102 cm3 cm?1 yr?1. Solifluction rates at the five sites did not correlate with each other due to site-specific controls. No statistically significant correlations were quantified between solifluction rates and different environmental parameters due to data gaps and short time series, thus highlighting the importance of long-term monitoring. Nevertheless, the results suggest that longer zero curtain periods, longer seasonal ground thawing periods, later start of the seasonal snow cover, more freeze-thaw cycles, and cooler early summer temperatures promote solifluction. |
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Keywords: | Iva Svare Holand Catriona Turner |
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