Fossil Rock Glaciers in Central Vorarlberg, Austria

Abstract

Fossil rock glaciers are described from two locations in central Vorarlberg, Austria. Special attention is paid to the surface shape of the rock glaciers and to the geomorphological setting in which they occur. A variety of forms occurs, from simple lobes on talus to complex festoon-shaped patterns associated with protalus ramparts and moraines. The rock glaciers are preferentially situated in north-facing cirques with steep Haupt Dolomite walls which produce abundant coarse debris. Two generations of rock glaciers can be distinguished based on geomorphological considerations. With the help of climatic data, an Egesen (Younger Dryas) age is considered for the younger rock glaciers and a Daun age for the older.