Introduction to Rock Glaciers

Rock glaciers, unlike traditional snowy glaciers, are covered in debris, making them less visible and understudied. They are much more common, with over 10,000 present in the western U.S., and their unique composition provides natural insulation for the ice beneath. This insulation enables them to survive the effects of climate change longer than traditional glaciers, which are losing ice rapidly due to rising temperatures. As such, rock glaciers could play a crucial role in maintaining water supplies and supporting biodiversity in the region.