Destabilization of permafrost slopes: Process understanding, mechanical modelling approaches and application to high-alpine infrastructure
Speaker: Michael Krautblatter, Professor, TU Munich
Abstract:
The destabilisation of permafrost-affected rock slopes causes wide-spread problems and hazards in high mountain environments worldwide. However, the processes underlying and controlling successive rock slope destabilisation in degrading permafrost are still poorly understood. This talk introduces a rock-ice mechanical model capable of demonstrating several rock and ice-mechanical components to generate a better process understanding of the stepwise destabilisation of warming permafrost slopes. With this, we can also understand the susceptibility of different rock slope systems to generate rock instabilities and we can start to anticipate the future consequences for alpine infrastructure.
Does progressive rock slope failure really work? - A question tackled with long term slope deformation observations and failure frequency in Norway
Speaker: Reginal Hermanns, Professor, NGU and NTNU, Trondheim
Abstract:
In this talk I will show the apparent, that rock slope failure is closely linked to the deglaciation history in Norway. However I will also show the unexpected that rock slope failure starts before the slope is a slope, that rock slope failure can move on constant rates over long time periods and even can decelerate and that unstable rock slopes can survive glacial cycles. I finally will put the concept of progressive rock slope failure into question and rise the question if the concept should not be replaced by detailed geological models and a sound understanding of material properties.
About this seminar:
This seminar is offered by the Section for Geography and Hydrology at the Department of Geosciences, University of Oslo.
Everyone is welcome, and especially students. Bring your lunch if you want to.