Deciphering Small-Scale Seasonal Surface Dynamics of Rock Glaciers in the Central European Alps Using DInSAR Time Series

The Essential Climate Variable (ECV) Permafrost is currently undergoing strong changes due to rising ground and air temperatures. Surface movement, forming characteristic landforms such as rock glaciers, one key indicator for mountain permafrost. Monitoring this movement can indicate ongoing in permafrost; therefore, glacier velocity (RGV) has recently been added an ECV product. Despite the increased understanding of dynamics recent years, most observations are either limited terms spatial coverage or temporal resolution. According studies, Sentinel-1 (C-band) Differential SAR Interferometry (DInSAR) potential monitoring RGVs at high resolutions. However, suitability DInSAR detection heterogeneous small-scale patterns velocities was never center these studies. We address shortcoming by generating analyzing time series over five years detect displacement alpine permafrost environments located Central European Alps on a weekly basis range few millimeters. Our approach based semi-automated procedure using open-source programs (SNAP, pyrate) provides East-West elevation change with sampling distance 5 m. Comparison annual derived from orthophotos unpiloted aerial vehicle (UAV) data shows that covers about third total which represents proportion year suited DInSAR, good agreement (Pearson R: 0.42–0.74, RMSE: 4.7–11.6 cm/a) except areas phase unwrapping errors. Moreover, unveils spatio-temporal variations distinct seasonal related different drivers processes well internal structures. Combining our situ could help achieve more holistic assess future evolution under changing climatic conditions.