Geophysical methods for the monitoring of rock glaciers

17.10.2023

Rock glaciers are particular geomorphological forms made up of rock masses that contain masses of ice. Studying them and monitoring their evolution is important because the presence of frozen soil is precious in terms of water resources but, in the event of melting, it can also represent a factor of instability for the territory.

Recently Prof. Jacopo Boaga and the Ph.D. student Mirko Pavoni went to Passo Sadole, in Trentino, to investigate one of the lowest altitude rock glacier in the entire Alpine Arc.

The monitoring of rock glaciers is based on the application of geophysical methods, such as electrical, seismic and electromagnetic investigations, supported by photogrammetry performed with drones.

Video shooting and drone footage by Stefano Castelli

Editing video by Barbara Paknazar