Waterfall ice: mechanical stability of vertical structures

J. Weiss (1) , M. Montagnat (1) , B. Cinquin-Lapierre (2) , P A Labory , L. Moreau (3) , F. Damilano (4) , D. Lavigne (4)

1 EDGe
2 LGGE - Laboratoire de glaciologie et géophysique de l'environnement
3 CAI - Chimie Agro-Industrielle
4 Mountain Guide

We present a study of the mechanical (in)stability of the ephemeral waterfall ice structures that form from the freezing of liquid water seeping on steep rock. Three vertical structures were studied, two near Glacier d'Argentière, France, and one in the Valsavarenche valley, northern Italy. The generation of internal stresses in the ice structure in relation to air-and ice-temperature conditions is analyzed from pressure sensor records. Their role in the mechanical instability of the structures is discussed from a photographic survey of these structures. The main result is that dramatic air cooling (several 8 8C h –1 over several hours) and low temperatures (<–108C), generating tensile stresses and brittleness, can trigger a spontaneous or climber-induced mechanical collapse, leading to unfavorable climbing conditions. Ice internal pressure fluctuations are also associated with episodes of marked diurnal air-temperature cycle, with mild days (few 8 8C above 08 8C) and cool nights (few 8 8C below 08 8C), through the occurrence of water $ ice phase transitions within the structure. These ice internal stress fluctuations seem, however, to have a local influence, are associated with warm (near 08 8C), wet and therefore particularly soft ice and do not trigger a collapse of the structure.

Domaines: Glaciologie

J. Weiss, M. Montagnat, B. Cinquin-Lapierre, P A Labory, L. Moreau, et al.. Waterfall ice: mechanical stability of vertical structures. Journal of Glaciology, 2011. ⟨hal-01747073⟩