Rock Glacier Occurrence in Godthåbsfjorden (Nuup Kangerlua)

Aqutsisoq:
Jakob Abermann

Sammivik suliffillu:
Pinngortitaq – Asiaq

Qulequtaq:
Rock Glacier Occurrence in Godthåbsfjorden (Nuup Kangerlua)

Allaatigisaq:
Rock glaciers are permafrost features abundant in mountainous environments, and are characterized as ’steadily creeping perennially frozen and ice-rich debris on non-glaciered mountain slopes’. Previous studies investigated both the climate significance and the dynamics of rock in Greenland, however, there do not exist studies as far south as Nuup Kangerlua. We recently found evidence of a potentially active rock glacier near Nuuk, which would be around 250 km further south than previously suggested. With the proposed pilot study we will (I) confirm or reject current rock glacier occurrence in Nuup Kangerlua with innovative methods, (II) study their dynamic regime, and investigate the climatic boundary conditions necessary for rock glacier occurrence in the Sub-Arctic. The results will be relevant input to the Greenlandic society by assessing the current state of slope instabilities due to creeping permafrost and the baseline climate conditions that are necessary to sustain rock glaciers.

Nalunaarusiaq inaarinertalik:
Rock Glacier Occurence in Nuup Kangerlua