A surge-type movement at Ghiacciaio del Belvedere and a developing slope instability in the east face of Monte Rosa, Macugnaga, Italian Alps

Abstract

Extraordinary developments are taking place at Ghiacciaio del Belvedere near Macugnaga, Valle Anzasca, in the Italian Alps. A surge-type flow acceleration started in the lower parts of the Monte-Rosa east face, leading to strong crevassing and deformation of Ghiacciaio del Belvedere, with extreme bulging of its orographic right margin. High water pressure and accelerated movement lasted into winter 2001/2002: in places, the ice is now starting to override moraines from the Little Ice Age. In addition, but fairly independently, a most active detachment zone for rock falls and debris flows has been developing for several years now in the east face of Monte Rosa. Besides the scientific interest in these separate phenomena, both events affect the growing hazard potential to the local infrastructure and must be considered seriously.