著者

加賀美 英雄

出版者

城西大学

雑誌

城西大学研究年報. 自然科学編 (ISSN:09149775)

巻号頁・発行日

no.32, pp.1-16, 2009-03

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In 1972, Professor Haeberli of the Zurich University discovered permafrost presence inside the Alpine talus by measuring overcooled temperature at the bottom of the new snow-cover in the beginning of winter. This is called BTS (Bottom Temperature of the Snow-cover) method to detect permafrost. One of the observation well set up by the Zurich University at the rock glacier in the Muragl glacier cirque (2,740 m) near Pontresina indicates that the temperature of the permafrost increased from -2.7℃ to -1.5℃ for the last 7 years. This may be due to the global warming by green house effect of carbon dioxide. The rock glacier at east facing glacier cirque of Foscagno (2,730 m), Stelvio National Park indicates distinct characteristic of rock glacier, but its permafrost had melted down by 2,700 year BP or much older time. This is another example of warming in the post glacial period. The Forni glacier in Stelvio National Park shows rapid retreating of its glacier front,indicating decrease of its ability to keep glacier mass-balance between ice and water because of the global warming. Alpine areas surrounding many glaciers are popular resort areas for tourists from many countries of the world. Therefore, municipal governments are very keen for the stability of the mountain slopes. This is the reason for organizing the field study trip for world research groups.