The terrace at the foot of the slope behind Huset was used as a ski-jump in the old days. The ski jump, called “Svalbardkollen”, is on a so-called rock glacier which is a common landscape feature around Longyearbyen. Rock glaciers form in permafrost-areas. Meltwater percolating in between the rocks will accordingly freeze at a certain depth and remain frozen for a long time, filling the cavities of the scree completely and thus decreasing the internal friction of the resulting rock-ice-body. The whole mixture can deform under the influence of gravitation and start to move downslopes at velocities of a few centimetres each year, similar as a normal glacier. The whole structure is called rock glacier. Avalanches contribute significantly to supply rock glaciers with debris and ice. There are several nice examples of rock glaciers in Longyeardalen and a very typical one on Hjorthfjellet.
The Longyearbyen Field Guide
We are a group of scientists and Svalbardians who want to share our knowledge about the vicinity of Longyearbyen with you. This app is non-commercial and meant for locals, guides, tourists and everyone interested in science.
It is initially based on the book “The Geology of Longyearbyen” and supported by the Svalbard environmental protection fund, The University Centre in Svalbard, Store Norske Spitsbergen Kulkompani and HDpublish.
We appreciate all of the voluntary contributions and support from all authors and initiators for making this app possible.
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