| Title | Geodesic and photogrammetric techniques for the cartographic production and the observation of the geomorphic dynamic of the "Corral del Veleta" active rock glacier (Sierra Nevada, Spain) |
| Author | Blasco, J.J.d.S.; Gordo, A.D.J.A.; Franch, F.S.; Ortiz, A.G.; Bejarano, J.d.M. |
| Author Affil | Blasco, J.J.d.S., University of Extremadura, Escuela Politécnia de Cáceres, Caceres, Spain. Other: Karl-Franzens University of Graz, Austria; University of Barcelona, Spain |
| Source | Grazer Schriften der Geographie und Raumforschung, Vol.43, p.151-157, ; 9th international symposium on High mountain remote sensing cartography, Graz, Austria, Sept. 14-15, 2006, edited by V. Kaufmann and W. Sulzer. Publisher: Institute of Geography and Regional Science, University of Graz, Graz, Austria. ISBN: 9-78935- 0227635 |
| Publication Date | 2007 |
| Notes | In English. 9 refs. GeoRef Acc. No: 287575 |
| Index Terms | geodesy; glacial geology; glaciers; glacier flow; mapping; photogrammetry; rock glaciers; temperature; Spain--Spanish Sierra Nevada; Andalusia Spain; Betic Cordillera; Corral del Veleta; dynamics; Europe; Global Positioning System; Iberian Peninsula; ice movement; landform evolution; Southern Europe; Spain; Spanish Sierra Nevada |
| Abstract | The southern most active rock glacier in Europe and the highest peaks in the Iberian Peninsula can be found in Sierra Nevada. The "Corral del Veleta" rock glacier can be found in the interior of the old cirque glacier that borders, with a northern orientation, at the base of "Veleta" peak (3.398 m a.s.I). This rock glacier exhibits dimensional redundancies: 120 m longitude, 3,700 m2 of surface area, its front is situated at an altitude of 3,090 ma.s.I. The study of this rock glacier is especially interesting because of its meridional location in the European context (37°N) and for its proven rapid morphodynamic response to the current environmental conditions (thermic and snow). The temperature of the surface of the ground in the summer months (July and August) can reach 27°C and the annual thermic amplitude 43°C. At present two main types of geomatic analysis are being carried out on the rock glacier: the production of detailed cartography and the observation of the geomorphic dynamic (displacement, sinking). Since 1995, geomatic observations have been carried out; although with a constant and systematic character only since 2001 (six campaigns). In order to perform this analysis, geomatic techniques have been employed: terrestrial photogrammetrics (photogrametric camera), classic geodesy (total station) and Global Positioning System (GPS-RTK): 1. Cartographic production of the rock glacier: The technique employed to obtain the detailed cartography was photogrammetrics, with maps at a scale of 1/1000, and equidistance of the curves of 1 m have been generated. 2. Observation of the rock glacier dynamic: The classic geodesy and GPS were employed in the calculation of the glacier dynamic. Marks on large boulders and 35 rods located on the rock glacier are controlled. The future geomatic study of the "Corral del Veleta" rock glacier is focused on two lines of investigation: 1. Determination of the movement of the rock glacier in the winter period (existence of snow cover) and its dynamic in the summer period (snow cover is nonexistent and the environmental temperature is elevated). 2. Search for a mathematical formula that relates the rock glacier dynamic to the climatic conditions (temperature, snow cover). But to do this, the availability of greater periods of field observation would be necessary. |
| Publication Type | conference paper or compendium article |
| Record ID | 63000358 |