Little is known about rock glacier formation. The two known factors that must be present in order to create rock glaciers are low ice velocity and permafrost. Most glacial rock glaciers are created by the recession of debris covered glaciers. Glacial rock glaciers are often found where rocky debris falls off the steep mountain sides and accumulates on ice glaciers. As the glaciers shrink, their composition changes as they become increasingly covered with debris. Eventually, the glacial ice is replaced by ice cored rocks. They are a non glacial landform associated with cold climates, particularly with various aspects of frozen ground.
The above picture is a close up of some of the rocks
Rock glaciers creep forward about 1-2 cm per year, whereas glaciers of ice move faster. For example, the Athabasca Glacier flows at a rate of about 15 m per year. If the material was not moving it would be referred to as a talus heap.
The above drawing has been provided by L. Bruce Railsback, Professor, Department of Geology, University of Georgia
Rock Glaciers in the Chilean Andes help supply the water for much of Chile, including the capital of Santiago. Mining operations in the high mountains have led to the degradation and destruction of more than two rock glaciers. Several copper mines dump their waste rock onto rock glaciers, which results in faster melting and higher velocity movement of these rock glaciers. The dumping of waste rock on the rock glaciers may lead to their destabilization. In 2004, protesting irrigation farmers and environmentalists changed rules so new mining projects can no longer damage or alter rock glaciers in Chile. .
While in the area take a stroll or a hike the many marked trails and enjoy this most spectacular area in the Rocky Mountains. Please note that this area is very sensitive to activities and hikers must stay on the designated trails. In granting permission for this earthcache, Alberta Tourism, Parks, Recreation requested that geocachers stay on the designated trails and that no items are to be removed or left at the site. There are numerous designated trails so there is no reason to stray off into the surrounding area.
Cachers should take advantage of the Information Centres that are located in the Park at The Barrier Lake Visitor Center on the north end of Highway 40, Peter Lougheed Visitor Center on the Kananaskis Lakes Trail and the Elbow Valley Visitor Center on Highway 66 just west of Bragg Creek town site. Contact numbers for these are at www.Kananaskis-Country.ca
Acknowledgements to: Ben Gadd, Handbook of the Canadian Rockies; Wikipedia.. L. Bruce Railsback, Professor, Department of Geology, University of Georgia
To log this Earthcache, please email the owner with the following: a) How far uphill does the trail lead? b) Describe the size and the colour of the rocks at the end of the trail c) Describe the vegetation at the end of the trail d) How long is it estimated that this glacier will cross the highway? e) What geological feature is on the mountain facing the Rock Glacier? As a non geological bonus; did you see or hear any evidence of animal existence?
Photographs ARE NOT mandatory, however you are at liberty to upload all you consider appropriate.
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