Opens in a new tab

Letter RGeology glossary

Rock Glacier

A rock glacier is a mass of rock, ice, and debris that moves slowly downhill, similar to a glacier. Rock glaciers are significant for understanding periglacial environments, the movement of ice and debris in cold climates, and the geomorphic processes shaping mountainous regions.

Mountain with rocky slopes and green forest base (rock glacier)
Fig. 1 Mountain with rocky slopes and green forest base (rock glacier)

Source Barsch, D. (1996). “Rock Glaciers: Indicators for the Present and Former Geoecology in High Mountain Environments.” Springer.

join.me

Geology made clear, in your inbox.

Get clear, visual explainers on rocks, minerals, deep time, and the most fascinating parts of Earth science from Geoscopy.