Alpine aquifers play a critical role in the hydrology of mountainous
areas by sustaining base flow in downstream rivers during dry periods
and retarding flood propagation after heavy precipitation events.
Progressing climate change alters climatic and meteorological boundary
conditions as well as the hydraulic response of alpine catchments by
ablating glaciers and thawing permafrost. Rock glaciers exert a
controlling influence on the catchment response due to their prominent
groundwater storage and complex drainage characteristics. This thesis
investigates the hydrogeology and internal structure of the active rock
glacier Innere Ölgrube (Ötztal Alps), which governs catchment runoff and
is affected by permafrost degradation. A 3D geometrical model of its
internal structure is obtained by combining geophysical data and
permafrost creep modelling. Available data and new results are
integrated into a conceptual hydrogeological model providing a sound
basis for the implementation of a prospective numerical groundwater flow
model. Hydraulic properties of the hydrostratigraphic units constituting
the rock glacier are estimated and groundwater recharge fluxes
quantified. Fundamental properties of the heterogeneous groundwater flow
system within the rock glacier are discussed and compared to existing
rock glacier studies.