New research by the Austrian Academy of Sciences has shown that rising temperatures have destabilized rock glaciers in the Oetztal Alps, Austria.


The Hochebenkar rock glacier has experienced significant movement due to climate change affecting its dynamics. Rock glaciers are permafrost phenomena that move towards valleys. Destabilization occurs when a glacier no longer flows evenly and speeds up, causing cracking and rockfalls.

Historical data shows that destabilization can occur cyclically, and unstable areas may stabilize again. However, if permafrost thaws due to warming temperatures, the glacier turns into rubble. The Hochebenkar's lower section is moving up to 30 meters per year, endangering a nearby road. Researchers suspect that liquid water plays a role in destabilization and emphasize the need for further research.

The study was published in the peer-reviewed open access scientific journal Earth Surface Dynamics on Tuesday, 28th February.

[Note: undated footage]