摘要：The internal and reversible mechanism of air circulation
(chimney effect) throughout a porous debris
accumulation acts as an efficient advective conveyor
of heat, which strongly influences its thermal balance
during the whole year. Ground temperature monitoring
carried out at eight sites located below the timberline
in western Switzerland since 1997 indicates
the major role played by winter air temperature conditions
in the thermal regime of low elevation talus
slopes and relict rock glaciers. In contrast, both snow
depth and summer air temperatures have far less influence.
The temperature monitoring at these sites offers
the longest time series world-wide. Borehole temperature
monitoring indicates the presence and growth of
permafrost at one particular site from 2004–2006, with
its consequent thawing again in 2007.
