Rock glacier morphology and morphometry in Glacier National Park, Northwest Montana, USA
Legg BN. 2016. Rock glacier morphology and morphometry in Glacier National Park, Northwest Montana, USA. Texas State University
Rock glaciers provide essential habitat and resources for species like the threatened pika (Ochotona princeps) throughout the western Cordillera of North America. However, the distribution of current and relict rock glaciers has not been thoroughly mapped. Glacier National Park has excellent records of true ice glaciers within the park's boundaries, but no comprehensive maps or information on the status of rock glaciers within the park. This thesis presents comparisons between active and relict groups of rock glaciers in the park in terms of their morphometry, morphology, and geographic positioning. My results illustrate that relict rock glaciers tend to be wider, less steep, and located at lower elevations than active rock glaciers. Relict rock glaciers are also almost exclusively located on the west side of the park whereas active rock glaciers are most common in north- to northeast-facing cirques east of the Continental Divide. My results will assist Park managers in better illustrating critical pika habitat throughout the park.