Rock glacier nomenclature: A re-assessment

Several contentious issues have arisen from rock glacier nomenclature, for example, whether the term “rock glacier” implies genesis from glacial ice or genesis from permafrost. The situation is compounded since rock glacier classification may be based on several different parameters, some of which are measured and quantified, others inferred. These include: gross morphology, dynamics, processes of formation, location, internal characteristics, thermal regime and age. Uncertainties in specifying the genesis in the light of the potential complexity means that definitions should be related to recognisable topographic forms which allow mapping of such features. stinction is made between rock glaciers (sensu stricto), which follows the original descriptions and typology of the early years of the 20th century, and protalus lobes. The forms can usually be differentiated in terms of length/ breadth ratios as well as by their relative locations. Some of the most common issues of contention within rock glacier research can be solved by this approach.