Rock Glaciers of Emilius

Rock Glaciers of Monte Emilius (left and top), Comba di Arbolle. A Rock Glacier is a tonguelike body of coarse rock fragments, with interstitial ice, that moves slowly down a valley. The origin of rock glaciers is still subject to debate: according to one theory they originate from extinguishing glaciers, for others they are a form of mountain permafrost and do not have glacial origin. The Rock Glaciers of Monte Emilius are the most characteristic example in the Alps, the ribbon shaped surface clearly shows the slow movement and, in some places, clear blue ice can be seen under the big boulders.