Geomatics techniques applied to glaciers, rock glaciers, and icepatches in Spain (1991-2012)

Abstract

At present there is a wide variety of geomatic techniques available to determine the dynamics of glaciers, rock glaciers and ice patches. Between 1991 and 2012, different geomatic techniques – total station, global positioning system, close-range photogrammetry and terrestrial laser scanner – were applied to monitor the movement of cryosphere landforms in the high mountains of the Iberian Peninsula. The applied techniques must be adapted to the dynamic conditions of cryospheric environments, and so there is no ideal general technique, and depending on the characteristics of the geomorphological structure to be studied, different geomatic techniques can be used. However, there are situations in which certain instruments cannot be used: global positioning system–real time kinematics shows difficulties when the presence of vertical walls cause a ‘multipath’ effect. The technique that provides the best results in each case must be chosen, although they can all give good results in measuring and monitoring geomorphological processes. This paper analyses the techniques used and results on vertical and horizontal changes of glaciers, rock glaciers and ice patches in the Sierra Nevada, Pyrenees and Picos de Europa, and differences among them by location and topoclimatic setting. All glaciers and rock glaciers show a thinning tendency and annual variations in the flow velocity. In addition to the specific dynamic analysis, the geomatic techniques can be used to detail scale and volume changes and perimeter of the analysed landforms.