Present-Day Solifluction Processes in the Semi-arid Range of Sierra Nevada (Spain)

Abstract

In the highest land of the Sierra Nevada National Park, an experiment to monitor solifluction rates together with the thermal regime of the ground was implemented during the period 2005-2011. Data show evidence of the low activity of solifluction processes in the present-day periglacial belt of Sierra Nevada. Annual displacement rates were lower than 1 cm yr-1 both in northern and southern slopes. Solifluction was more active near snow patches and streams. Rates were also higher during snowier years. Soil temperatures showed seasonal frost occurrence, though the depth and duration of the frozen layer is strongly conditioned by the annual snow cover. Water availability appears to be a crucial factor for solifluction processes in this semiarid environment.