Articles | Volume 23, issue 7
https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-23-2547-2023
© Author(s) 2023. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-23-2547-2023
© Author(s) 2023. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
20 Jul 2023
Research article |
| 20 Jul 2023
| 20 Jul 2023
The role of thermokarst evolution in debris flow initiation (Hüttekar Rock Glacier, Austrian Alps)
Department of Earth Sciences, NAWI Graz Geocenter, University of Graz, Heinrichstrasse 26, 8010 Graz, Austria
previously published under the name Simon Kainz
Thomas Wagner
Department of Earth Sciences, NAWI Graz Geocenter, University of Graz, Heinrichstrasse 26, 8010 Graz, Austria
Karl Krainer
Department of Geology, University of Innsbruck, Innrain 52, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
Michael Avian
Department of Climate Impact Research, GeoSphere Austria, Hohe Warte 38, 1190 Vienna, Austria
Marc Olefs
Department of Climate Impact Research, GeoSphere Austria, Hohe Warte 38, 1190 Vienna, Austria
Klaus Haslinger
Department of Climate Impact Research, GeoSphere Austria, Hohe Warte 38, 1190 Vienna, Austria
Gerfried Winkler
Department of Earth Sciences, NAWI Graz Geocenter, University of Graz, Heinrichstrasse 26, 8010 Graz, Austria
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Short summary
A rapid sequence of cascading events involving thermokarst lake outburst, rock glacier front failure, debris flow development, and river blockage hit an alpine valley in Austria during summer 2019. We analyze the environmental conditions initiating the process chain and identify the rapid evolution of a thermokarst channel network as the main driver. Our results highlight the need to account for permafrost degradation in debris flow hazard assessment studies.
A rapid sequence of cascading events involving thermokarst lake outburst, rock glacier front...
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