At EUCOP5 in Chamonix, France the IPA Action Group: Rock Glacier Inventories and Kinematics was launched with Prof. Reynald Delaloye as the chair.

Rock glacier inventories have been developed in various regions worldwide for decades, often independently and without standardised coordination. With advancements in remote sensing technologies and the growing availability of high-quality data, creating such inventories has become increasingly accessible. However, the differences in purpose, such as national vs. research-driven inventories, and limited accessibility to existing datasets, highlighted the need for greater standardisation and collaboration. Recognising this, the IPA Action Group aimed to establish a global network dedicated to rock glacier mapping and monitoring. This initiative sought to define standardised guidelines, promote open access to data, and enhance understanding of permafrost dynamics by incorporating kinematic information, such as displacement rates. These efforts aligned with the broader goal of recognising rock glacier kinematics as an Essential Climate Variable (ECV), contributing to our understanding of climate change impacts in mountainous regions.

Please click here to see the meeting summary.