Monitoring Bonnard rock glacier under the effect of climate change

The purpose of this work is to examine the impact of climate change on the stability and movement of rock glaciers in the Alpine region, focusing on Bonnard one in Switzerland. Rock glaciers, significant indicators of permafrost and environmental shifts, are increasingly affected by rising temperatures, which amplify the deformation and melting of ice within their structure. The analysis is focused on its mechanical and morphological deformations from the data obtained over 11 years through environmental data analysis and geophysical methods namely GPS tracking: an evident acceleration of the surface material, namely rocks and boulders, is identified and the corresponding increase in slope instability, debris flows and movements of materials in general is highlighted especially through Pétérey torrent, posing heightened risks to downstream communities in Zinal village, located at the foot of the slope. The findings underscore a need for ongoing monitoring and enhanced mitigation strategies to safeguard populated areas and infrastructure from potential hazards associated with periglacial dynamics and warming trends.