The Relationship of Glacier Ice and Rock Glacier at Grubengletscher, Kanton Wallis, Switzerland

ABSTRACT

The present day limits of Grubengletscher are described and related to known positions since 1934 and the supply of debris to the glacier surfaces. Retreat and downwasting of part of the glacier system in this century has apparently resulted in the formation of a spatulate or valley rock glacier as a separate entity from the main glacier. One section of the main glacier, although still actively flowing, has a considerable debris load and bears a distinct surface resemblance to a ‘typical’ rock glacier. The relationship of four elements of the debris- glacier system shows the way in which debris accumulation, when allied to certain types of glacier mass balance behaviour, can result in the formation of ice-cored rock glaciers. Other rock glaciers in the vicinity of Grubengletscher are also described.