Rock glacier and unvegetated ice-dominated moraine
Description (English)
Rock glaciers are a mixture of frozen rock detritus and ice of glacial or periglacial origin, forming a tongue-like mass which can flow very slowly under gravity found in extremely cold areas at high latitudes and altitudes in Europe. Ice-dominated moraines are masses of unconsolidated mineral debris found in the vicinity of retreating glaciers. Few organisms have the ability to colonize these particular habitats, because of the low temperatures and the mobility of the substrate, so the flora is limited to pioneer plants and lichens, occurring principally on the lateral and terminal borders of the detritus. Invertebrates increase with the developing vegetation cover.
Source: EUNIS habitat classification
Quick facts
| EUNIS habitat type | code U43 |
|---|---|
| Relation to | Resolution 4 habitat type (used for designation of Emerald sites) |
Legal status
Relation to other habitat types mentioned in legal instruments
Vegetation types
Relation to vegetation types (syntaxa)
Not availableSpecies mentioned in habitat description
Other classifications
| Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 2007 (revised descriptions 2012) | H4.3 | Rock glaciers and unvegetated ice-dominated moraines | same |
| European Red List of Habitats | H4.3 | Rock glacier and unvegetated ice-dominated moraine | same |
History
| Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410 | H4.3 | Rock glaciers and unvegetated ice-dominated moraines | same | |
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 200308 | H4.3 | Rock glaciers and unvegetated ice-dominated moraines | same | |
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 200202 | H4.3 | Rock glaciers and unvegetated ice-dominated moraines | same |
