2003, 第１回日本地理学会賞（優秀賞）
松岡 憲知

〔Major achievements〕Dynamics of permafrost geomorphology in the High Arctic Svalbard
Norikazu Matsuoka; Tatsuya Watanabe; Hanne H.Christiansen, Lead
Journal of Geography (Chigaku Zasshi), Apr. 2025, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Decadal variability of differential frost heave on incipient sorted patterned ground in the Southern Japanese Alps
Norikazu Matsuoka, Lead
Permafrost and Periglacial Processes, Apr. 2025, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Acceleration and interannual variability of creep rates in mountain permafrost landforms (rock glacier velocities) in the European Alps in 1995–2022
Andreas Kellerer-Pirklbauer; Xavier Bodin; Reynald Delaloye; Christophe Lambiel; Isabelle Gärtner-Roer; Mylène Bonnefoy-Demongeot; Luca Carturan; Bodo Damm; Julia Eulenstein; Andrea Fischer; Lea Hartl; Atsushi Ikeda; Viktor Kaufmann; Karl Krainer; Norikazu Matsuoka; Umberto Morra Di Cella; Jeannette Noetzli; Roberto Seppi; Cristian Scapozza; Philippe Schoeneich; Martin Stocker-Waldhuber; Emmanuel Thibert; Matteo Zumiani, Abstract

Cryospheric long-term timeseries get increasingly important. To document climate-related effects on long-term viscous creep of ice-rich mountain permafrost, we investigated timeseries (1995–2022) of geodetically-derived Rock Glacier Velocity (RGV), i.e. spatially averaged interannual velocity timeseries related to a rock glacier (RG) unit or part of it. We considered 50 RGV from 43 RGs spatially covering the entire European Alps. Eight of these RGs are destabilized. Results show that RGV are distinctly variable ranging from 0.04 to 6.23 m a⁻¹. Acceleration and deceleration at many RGs are highly correlated with similar behaviour over 2.5 decades for 15 timeseries. In addition to a general long-term, warming-induced trend of increasing velocities, three main phases of distinct acceleration (2000–2004, 2008–2015, 2018–2020), interrupted by deceleration or steady state conditions, were identified. The evolution is attributed to climate forcing and underlines the significance of RGV as a product of the Essential Climate Variable (ECV) permafrost. We show that RGV data are valuable as climate indicators, but such data should always be assessed critically considering changing local factors (geomorphic, thermal, hydrologic) and monitoring approaches. To extract a climate signal, larger RGV ensembles should be analysed. Criteria for selecting new RGV-sites are proposed., IOP Publishing
Environmental Research Letters, 20 Feb. 2024, [Reviewed]

Debris-flow activity in the Japanese Alps is controlled by extreme precipitation and ENSO – Evidence from multi-centennial tree-ring records
Juan Antonio Ballesteros-Cánovas; Yoshihiko Kariya; Fumitoshi Imaizumi; Alberto Muñoz Torrero Manchado; Ryoko Nishii; Norikazu Matsuoka; Markus Stoffel, Elsevier BV
Global and Planetary Change, Dec. 2023, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕How can needle ice transport large stones? Twenty‐one years of field observations
Norikazu Matsuoka, Lead, Abstract

Downslope movements of 12 stones (10–27 cm in diameter) were determined from time‐series images for 21 years on a Japanese alpine debris slope (inclination 12°). The process of stone movements was analysed on the basis of frost heave and soil temperature records, with particular attention to the stone size transported by needle ice and the effect of climate change on stone movements. Soil heaving mainly due to needle‐ice growth occurred 24–85 times yr⁻¹ with an annual maximum and cumulative amounts of 1.8–5.5 cm and 17–58 cm yr⁻¹, respectively. Stones moved downslope at rates of 5–20 cm yr⁻¹ (mean 11.7 cm), the velocity correlating with the stone size, although small stones with a height of less than about 3 cm do not reduce needle‐ice activity very much. On an assumption of a linear relationship between the two variables, needle ice can transport stones with a diameter of as large as 30 cm. Both annual mean air/soil temperatures and needle‐ice activity slightly increased through the monitoring period. Climatic warming may have raised the frequency of needle ice by shortening the snow‐covered period., Wiley
Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 16 Aug. 2023, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Geological controls on marine cavernous landforms along Japanese Pacific-side rocky coasts
Kanami Shinohara; Atsuya Ito; Takuro Ogura; Norikazu Matsuoka, Corresponding, 東京地学協会
Journal of Geography, 28 Feb. 2023, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Ice needles weave patterns of stones in freezing landscapes
Anyuan Li; Norikazu Matsuoka; Fujun Niu; Jing Chen; Zhenpeng Ge; Wensi Hu; Desheng Li; Bernard Hallet; Johan van de Koppel; Nigel Goldenfeld; Quan-Xing Liu, Patterned ground, defined by the segregation of stones in soil according to size, is one of the most strikingly self-organized characteristics of polar and high-alpine landscapes. The presence of such patterns on Mars has been proposed as evidence for the past presence of surface liquid water. Despite their ubiquity, the dearth of quantitative field data on the patterns and their slow dynamics have hindered fundamental understanding of the pattern formation mechanisms. Here, we use laboratory experiments to show that stone transport is strongly dependent on local stone concentration and the height of ice needles, leading effectively to pattern formation driven by needle ice activity. Through numerical simulations, theory, and experiments, we show that the nonlinear amplification of long wavelength instabilities leads to self-similar dynamics that resemble phase separation patterns in binary alloys, characterized by scaling laws and spatial structure formation. Our results illustrate insights to be gained into patterns in landscapes by viewing the pattern formation through the lens of phase separation. Moreover, they may help interpret spatial structures that arise on diverse planetary landscapes, including ground patterns recently examined using the rover Curiosity on Mars., Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 05 Oct. 2021, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Interpreting rockfall activity on an outcrop-talus slope system in the southern Japanese Alps using an integrated survey approach
Fumitoshi Imaizumi; Daniel Trappmann; Norikazu Matsuoka; Juan Canovas; Antonio Ballesteros; Koh Yasue; Markus Stoffel, ELSEVIER
GEOMORPHOLOGY, Dec. 2020, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕A multi-method monitoring of timing, magnitude and origin of rockfall activity in the Japanese Alps
Norikazu Matsuoka, Lead, A multi-method monitoring was conducted to detect the timing and trigger of rockfall activity on an alpine rockslide cliff composed of Cretaceous sandstone and shale in the southern Japanese Alps (Aresawa rockslide, 2900 m above sea level). The monitoring programme includes manual measurements of flaking from painted rock surface and collection of fallen debris, daily time-lapse imaging of the rockwall, automated recordings of rock temperature, rock moisture and influencing meteorological factors (air temperature and precipitation). A stereographic pair of sequential photographs is used to visually identify the location of new erosion and semi quantitative evaluation of detached materials at daily resolution. Six years (2010-2016) of debris trapping show major rockfall activity in winter (between November and May) and occasional activity associated with heavy rains in summer, and yield an average rate of rockwall retreat on the order of 1 mm a(-1). The rockwall shows heterogeneous debris production mainly reflecting joint spacing. Time-lapse imaging displays at least 10-15 rockfall events per year within the shot area (similar to 500 m(2)). The integration of multiple data suggests, Elsevier
Geomorphology, Jul. 2019, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Ice-wedge polygon dynamics in Svalbard: Lessons from a decade of automated multi-sensor monitoring
Norikazu Matsuoka; Hannne H Christiansen; Tatsuya Watanabe, Lead, WILEY
PERMAFROST AND PERIGLACIAL PROCESSES, Jul. 2018, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Interpretation of recent alpine landscape system evolution using geomorphic mapping and L-band InSAR analyses
Fumitoshi Imaizumi; Takaki Nishiguchi; Norikazu Matsuoka; Daniel Trappmann; Markus Stoffel, Alpine landscapes are typically characterized by inherited features of past glaciations and, for the more recent past, by the interplay of a multitude of types of geomorphic processes, including permafrost creep, rockfalls, debris flows, and landslides. These different processes usually exhibit large spatial and temporal variations in activity and velocity. The understanding of these processes in a wide alpine area is often hindered by difficulties in their surveying. In this study, we attempt to disentangle recent changes in an alpine landscape system using geomorphic mapping and L-band DInSAR analyses (ALOS-PALSAR) in the Zermatt Valley, Swiss Alps. Geomorphic mapping points to a preferential distribution of rock glaciers on north-facing slopes, whereas talus slopes are concentrated on south-facing slopes. Field-based interpretation of ground deformation in rock glaciers and movements in talus slopes correlates well with the ratio of InSAR images showing potential ground deformation. Moraines formed during the Little Ice Age, rock glaciers, and talus slopes on north-facing slopes are more active than landforms on south-facing slopes, implying that the presence of permafrost facilitates the deformation of these geomorphic units. Such deformations of geomorphic units prevail also at the elevation of glacier termini. For rock cliffs, the ratio of images indicating retreat is affected by slope orientation and elevation. Linkages between sediment supply from rock cliffs and sediment transport in torrents are different among tributaries, affected by relative locations between sediment supply areas and the channel network. We conclude that the combined use of field surveys and L-band DInSAR analyses can substantially improve process understanding in steep, high-mountain terrain., Elsevier B.V.
Geomorphology, 01 Jun. 2018, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Frost sorting on slopes by needle ice: A laboratory simulation on the effect of slope gradient
Anyuan Li; Norikazu Matsuoka; Fujun Niu, Following a previous attempt to reproduce miniature sorted patterns on a level surface, we report the results of a full-scale laboratory simulation on frost sorting produced by needle ice activity on inclined surfaces. Four models, with different slope gradients (5°, 7°, 9°, 11°), were designed. Stones 6 mm in diameter placed in a grid covered 20% of the surface of frost-susceptible water-saturated soil. These models were subjected to 20–40 freeze–thaw cycles between 10°C and −5°C in 12 hours. The evolution of surface patterns was visually traced by photogrammetry. Needle ice growth and collapse induced downslope movement and concentrations of stones. A model produced incipient sorted circles on a 5° slope, whereas it resulted in three distinct sorted stripes on a 7° slope. The average diameter or spacing of these forms is 9.7–19.4 cm, comparable to those in the field dominated by diurnal freeze–thaw cycles. Surface parallel displacements of stone markers were traced with motion analysis software. The observed downslope stone displacements agree with those expected assuming that surface soil and stones move by repeated heaving perpendicular to the surface and vertical settlement due to gravity, although the growth of curved needle adds complexity to the overall displacements. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley &
Sons, Ltd., John Wiley and Sons Ltd
Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 15 Mar. 2018, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Soil Physical and Environmental Conditions Controlling Patterned-Ground Variability at a Continuous Permafrost Site, Svalbard
Tatsuya Watanabe; Norikazu Matsuoka; Hanne H. Christiansen; Stefanie Cable, This study examines soil physical and environmental conditions controlling patterned-ground variability on an alluvial fan in a continuous permafrost landscape, at Adventdalen, Svalbard. On-site monitoring of ground temperature, soil moisture and snow depth, laboratory analyses of soil physical properties and principal component analysis indicate that the distribution of patterned ground depends primarily on soil texture, soil moisture and the winter ground thermal regime associated with snow cover. Mudboils and composite patterns (mudboils surrounded by small polygons) occupy well-drained areas composed of clay-rich aeolian sediments. Compared to mudboils, composite patterns show a sharper contrast in soil texture between barren centres and vegetated rims. Hummocks filled with organic materials develop on poorly drained lowlands associated with a shallow water table. Ice-wedge polygons are dominant on sandy loess-covered areas where the local wind regime minimises snow cover, enhancing ground cooling that promotes thermal contraction cracking. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., WILEY
PERMAFROST AND PERIGLACIAL PROCESSES, Apr. 2017, [Reviewed]

Overview of the Special Issue "Rock Weathering from Nanoscale to Global Scale: 1. Microscopic Weathering and Basic Studies"
MATSUOKA,Norikazu; OGUCHI,Chiaki T; FUKUSHI,Keisuke; MATSUSHI,Yuki; YOKOYAMA,Tadashi, Tokyo Geographical Society
Journal of Geography (Chigaku Zasshi), 2017

山岳科学の創出―山岳地域の諸問題を分野横断で俯瞰する―
Norikazu Matsuoka; Teiji Watanabe; Satoshi Yokoyama, The Association of Japanese Geographers
E-journal GEO, 2017

〔Major achievements〕Physical Rock Weathering: Linking Laboratory Experiments, Field Observations, and Natural Features
Norikazu MATSUOKA; Tetsuya WARAGAI; Sachi WAKASA,

 Physical rock weathering has been studied through laboratory experiments, field observations, and numerical modeling, but linking these approaches and applying the results to weathering features in the field are often problematic. We review recent progress in three weathering processes—frost shattering, thermal fracturing, and lightning strikes—and explore better approaches to linking weathering processes and products. New visual and sensor technologies have led to great advances in field monitoring of weathering of fractured bedrock and resulting rockfalls in cold mountains. Laboratory simulations successfully produce fractures resulting from segregational freezing in various intact rocks. Modelling approaches illustrate the long-term evolution of periglacial slopes well, but improvements are required to apply laboratory-derived criteria to frost weathering. The efficacy of thermal weathering, which has long been under debate, is now partly supported by laboratory and field evidence that cracking takes place when wild fires or artificial explosions lead to thermal shock. Rock fracturing due to strong radiation is also reevaluated from the presence of large cooling/warmin, Tokyo Geographical Society
Journal of Geography (Chigaku Zasshi), 2017, [Reviewed]

Biographical sketch of a giant: Deciphering recent debris-flow dynamics from the Ohya landslide body (Japanese Alps)
Fumitoshi Imaizumi; Daniel Trappmann; Norikazu Matsuoka; Satoshi Tsuchiya; Okihiro Ohsaka; Markus Stoffel, Debris-flow frequency, discharge, and travel distance are highly catchment dependent and typically controlled by topography, hydrological conditions, and sediment supply. As a consequence, detailed and case-specific investigations are needed to decipher debris-flow histories in order to improve hazard mitigation. This study documents past (ca. 10 years) debris-flow occurrences originating from the Ohya landslide, central Japan, by using a large set of methods including field monitoring, repeat airborne LiDAR, orthophoto interpretation, and tree-ring reconstructions. We demonstrate that the different approaches generally agree on the occurrence of debris flows but that mismatches may exist when it comes to the assessment of areas affected by individual events. These differences may even exceed the usual errors in precision inherent to each of the methods used. In the present case, high-resolution orthophoto interpretation tends to underestimate areas affected by debris flows, especially in the vertical direction, in the absence of lateral movement of the channel bed and as a result of shade and areas under trees. On the other hand, we realize that LiDAR data cannot necessarily be used to distinguish local changes in topography from noise. Tree-ring analyses can help to improve the temporal resolution of the analysis, but may have limitations when it comes to the definition of areas affected by an event because of the point-type nature of data. We conclude that the best and most complete results are obtained by combining multiple methods to improve the spatial and temporal resolution of past debris flows and to delimit areas affected by individual events. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved., ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV
GEOMORPHOLOGY, Nov. 2016, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Progress in understanding the dynamics, internal structure and palaeoenvironmental potential of ice wedges and sand wedges
Hanne H. Christiansen; Norikazu Matsuoka; Tatsuya Watanabe, A review of recent progress in understanding the dynamics, internal structure and palaeoenvironmental potential of ice wedges and sand wedges is presented, based on literature published between 2008 and 2015. Ice wedges constitute the most ice-rich and widespread periglacial landform in permafrost lowlands. Thus, progress in understanding the processes associated with them, using a large variety of direct and indirect field and remote sensing methods, is important, particularly in a changing climate with increased potential for ice-wedge degradation. Ice-wedge polygons have been found to control microclimate, hydrology and greenhouse gas fluxes from permafrost. New technologies have allowed the identification of more fossil polygons, increasing their role in reconstructing periglacial conditions. Study of ice-wedge casts, sand wedges and ice wedges has improved palaeoenvironmental reconstruction, particularly from the last glacial period and the Holocene, of changes to these landforms in both present and former permafrost areas. Polygons on Mars have recently attracted considerable attention, primarily due to increased remote sensing capabilities and even on-site investigations, which identify ice in these landforms. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., WILEY-BLACKWELL
PERMAFROST AND PERIGLACIAL PROCESSES, Oct. 2016, [Reviewed]

極地や高山で地表の動きを測る
松岡; 憲知, 岩波書店
科学, Jun. 2016

〔Major achievements〕Permafrost and Periglacial Processes on the Martian Surface
Norikazu Matsuoka, Lead, Following the development of high-resolution imaging, digital elevation models, thermal and hydrological data, and onsite ground information during the early period of the 21st century, the periglacial geomorphology of the Martian surface advanced rapidly. Images can even resolute meter-scale landforms, enabling identification of most periglacial features and analysis of their global distributions and detailed morphologies. This review focuses on progress in research covering permafrost distribution, patterned ground, possible heave and subsidence features, lobate debris forms, and slope-lineated features during the last decade. Most of the Martian high-latitude surface is underlain by ice-rich ground called the latitude-dependent mantle (LDM), which favors permafrost-related features possibly developed under warm-humid conditions during past high-obliquity periods or partially s,till active under the present cold-dry conditions. Thermal contraction cracking is likely to prevail in the LDM, resulting in high-centered, flat-top polygons, possibly underlain by sublimation-type wedges or sand wedges that prevail at high latitudes. The surface patterns change into subdued or peak-top p, Tokyo Geographical Society
Journal of Geography (Chigaku Zasshi), Feb. 2016, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Laboratory frost sorting by needle ice: a pilot experiment on the effects of stone size and extent of surface stone cover
Chizuru Yamagishi; Norikazu Matsuoka, Corresponding, Sorted patterned ground is ubiquitous where gravelly fine soil experiences freeze-thaw cycles, but experimental studies have rarely been successful in reproducing such patterns. This article reports an attempt to reproduce miniature sorted patterns by repeating needle-ice formation, which simulates frost sorting in regions dominated by diurnal freeze-thaw cycles. Six full-scale laboratory models were tested. They consisted of near-saturated volcanic fine soil topped by small stones of uniform size; the models explored a range of stone size (similar to 6, similar to 12, similar to 17 and similar to 22mm) and surface abundance (20, 40 and 60% cover). The stones were placed in a grid on the surface. These models were subjected to 20-30 temperature excursions between 10 degrees C and -5 degrees C in 12hours. The evolution of surface patterns were visually traced by photogrammetry. A data logging system continuously monitored vertical soil displacements, soil temperatures and moistures at different depths. All experimental runs displayed needle-ice formation (2-3cm in height) and resulting displacement of stones. The soil domains tended to heave faster and higher than the stones, leading to outward movement of the former and concentration of the stones. In plan view, smaller stones showed relatively fast and long-lasting movements, while larger stones stabilized after the first five cycles. The 20% stone cover produced stone islands, whereas the 40% cover resulted in sorted labyrinths (a circle-island complex) that may represent incipient sorted circles. The average diameter or spacing of these forms are 12-13cm, being comparable to those in the field. The experiments imply that needle-ice activity promotes rapid formation of sorted patterns, although the formation of well-defined sorted circles may require hundreds of diurnal frost heave cycles. Copyright (c) 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., WILEY-BLACKWELL
EARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS, Mar. 2015, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Combining Time-Lapse Photography and Multisensor Monitoring to Understand Frost Creep Dynamics in the Japanese Alps
Norikazu Matsuoka, Lead, Automated monitoring that combines time-lapse photography and sensor-based data logging can elucidate the environmental conditions, processes and rates of soil movement on remote periglacial hillslopes. This study presents the results from 5 years of time-lapse photography of soil movements, supported by time series data on frost heave, soil temperature, soil moisture and surface weather, on an alpine stone-banked lobe subject to frequent diurnal freeze-thaw cycles and deep seasonal frost on Mt Ainodake in the Japanese Alps. The lobe is dominated by biannual shallow soil movements, mostly originating from diurnal frost heave by needle ice or shallow ice lens formation and approximated by potential frost creep. The surface velocity shows a small interannual variation mainly reflecting snow conditions that control the spatio-temporal variability of freeze-thaw action, while it is independent of mean annual air temperature that influences the intensity of seasonal freezing. Occasional rill erosion occurs when the topmost frozen soil is rapidly thawed and super-saturated by intensive rainfall during seasonal thawing periods. Copyright (c) 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., WILEY-BLACKWELL
PERMAFROST AND PERIGLACIAL PROCESSES, Apr. 2014, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Geomorphic dynamics and sediment budget in the Southern Japanese Alps: Recent studies and prospects
Norikazu Matsuoka; Fumitoshi Imaizumi; Ryokot Nishii, Lead, This review paper synthesizes geomorphic dynamics, sediment transport and resulting natural hazards in mountains of the southern Japanese Alps and their drainage basins, where climatic and geological situations produce highly active landform dynamics. In alpine areas above the timber line, shallow diurnal freeze-thaw action operating in the thin topsoil produces small-scale periglacial forms, and gravitational spreading leads to numerous sackung features where snow-melt and heavy rain in places promote rockslides. In subalpine and montane areas, deep-seated landslides originate from fractured sedimentary rocks, deep V-shaped valleys, and heavy rain, while shallow landslides continue with historical forest clearance. Continuous slope failures prevent vegetation recovery and maintain debris input to valleys. Steep valleys contribute to high-density debris flows. Frequent or repetitive occurrences of these mass movements promote continuous denudation of slopes, rockfall accidents along hiking trails, and sedimentation at artificial dams. They occasionally cause significant hazards to villages further downstream. Predicting and mitigating slope hazards require distinguishing among a, Tokyo Geographical Society
Journal of Geography, Aug. 2013, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Cold region geomorphology in Japan　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
Matsuoka; Norikazu, Lead, This paper reviews glacial and periglacial geomorphology and associated studies on physical geography and Quaternary geology, undertaken by Japanese researchers during the last three decades. Major progress has been achieved in two aspects. First, overseas fieldwork in a wide range of polar and alpine regions has promoted understanding of present-day glacier and permafrost landforms, processes and sediments. The outcomes have greatly influenced domestic research, improving the interpretation of past glaciation and periglaciation in Japan. Second, Japanese studies have made significant contributions to the international research communities in applying tephrochronology to dating tills and periglacial structures, proposing a distinct feature of glacial advances possibly reflecting climate conditions in eastern Asia, promoting comprehensive monitoring of periglacial processes and understanding periglacial processes in seasonal frost and marginal periglacial conditions., The Association of Japanese Geographers
Geographical Review of Japan, Jul. 2013, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Precursors and triggers of an alpine rockslide in Japan: the 2004 partial collapse during a snow-melting period
Ryoko Nishii; Norikazu Matsuoka; Hiromu Daimaru; Masatsugu Yasuda, The Aresawa rockslide in the Japanese Alps encountered a deep, partial collapse during an early snow-melting period in May 2004, followed by further progressive movement of the headscarp area. This paper reconstructs the pre-failure topography of the Aresawa rockslide based on the analysis of aerial photographs taken in multiple periods, and analyzes the factors controlling the threshold for the 2004 collapse. At least seven months before the collapse, new tension cracks emerged about 25 m behind the headscarp as a result of downslope movement of an unstable rock slab 5-10 x 10(5) m(3) in volume, accompanied by the development of a slip plane below a pre-existing shallow trough (sackung feature). The collapse finally occurred when progressive weakening of the rock mass was combined with water infiltration into the ground during rapid snow melting., SPRINGER HEIDELBERG
LANDSLIDES, Feb. 2013, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Ice- and Soil-Wedge Dynamics in the Kapp Linne Area, Svalbard, Investigated by Two- and Three-Dimensional GPR and Ground Thermal and Acceleration Regimes
Tatsuya Watanabe; Norikazu Matsuoka; Hanne H. Christiansen, GPR is applied to image subsurface structures below non-sorted polygons in Kapp Linne, Svalbard, where ice and active-layer soil wedges co-exist within a small area. Two-dimensional GPR images ice wedges as hyperbolic reflections extending down from the frost table. However, some ice-wedge signals are obscured or masked by similar hyperbolic reflections produced by stones or active-layer soil wedges. Three-dimensional GPR images ice wedges as linear amplitude anomalies, which excludes the possibility of misinterpretation and offers more reliable results. GPR investigations show that ice wedges are distributed sporadically in lower (younger) beach ridges, but not in higher (older) ones. Inter-site monitoring of ground temperature, soil moisture, slow ground deformation and cracking during 200409 and the determination of near-surface soil texture and stratigraphy suggest that snow cover and soil thermal properties determine the distribution of ice wedges. Most ice wedges are considered to be inactive due to relatively high permafrost temperatures. Shock loggers and extensometers detected shallow (soil wedge) cracking in sandy sediments, when the ground surface temperature dropped to 12 degrees C and the thermal gradient in the upper 20 cm of ground reached 10 degrees C m1. Copyright (c) 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., WILEY
PERMAFROST AND PERIGLACIAL PROCESSES, Jan. 2013, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Kinematics of an alpine retrogressive rockslide in the Japanese Alps
Ryoko Nishii; Norikazu Matsuoka, The Aresawa rockslide in the Japanese Alps experienced a partial collapse (510 x 105?m3) in 2004, followed by an accelerated downward movement of the head area rather than stabilization. This paper discusses the kinematics of a retrogressive rockslide area and factors promoting slope instability subsequent to the 2004 collapse, on the basis of geodetic surveys and meteorological observations from 2006 to 2010. The unstable area covers at least 2.3 x 104?m2 and consists of five active blocks. The main blocks are separated from the stable rock slope by pre-existing sackung features that follow the strike of the bedding plane. Shear zones below these sackung features have developed into slip planes potentially causing the next collapse. In particular, the propagation of a slip plane causing movement at 70?cm?yr-1 in the head area is promoted by bidirectional movement. It consists of slow dip-slip movement in snow-accumulating periods and rapid side-slip movement in snow-melting and snow-free periods, both of which occur on the same slip plane. This bidirectional movement appears to result from the combination of a loss of lateral support by the 2004 event and the immature state of the slip plane. The primary trigger of the acceleration in the unstable area is the stress release by the 2004 collapse. In addition, the presence of a potential slip plane below the sackung features also promotes slope instability, suggesting that sackung features behind a rockslide area may predefine the new head scarp of a forthcoming collapse. Copyright (C) 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., WILEY
EARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS, Dec. 2012, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕MUDBOIL AND ICE-WEDGE DYNAMICS INVESTIGATED BY ELECTRICAL RESISTIVITY TOMOGRAPHY, GROUND TEMPERATURES AND SURFACE MOVEMENTS IN SVALBARD
Tatsuya Watanabe; Norikazu Matsuoka; Hanne H. Christiansen, Arctic tundra surfaces are dominated by a variety of patterned ground forms. Whereas a large number of studies have described morphology, structure and processes of patterned ground, few have monitored detailed patterned ground dynamics and subsurface environments continuously. We applied electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) to understand near-surface conditions of two types of patterned ground, ice-wedge polygons and mudboils in Svalbard, where periglacial processes associated with permafrost are intensively monitored. Automated monitoring shows surface movement characterized by annual cycles of frost heave and thaw settlement, the amounts and rates of which are influenced by the intensity of ice segregation. A time series of ERT shows (1) a distinct resistivity boundary delimiting the active-layer depth, (2) seasonal variation in resistivity controlled by thermo-hydrological dynamics and (3) spatial variation in resistivity reflecting desiccation in summer and intensive ice segregation in winter. These results demonstrate ERT as a useful complementary technique for monitoring active-layer depths and near-surface hydrological conditions at periglacial patterned ground sites, where automated soil thermal and moisture measurements are limited., WILEY-BLACKWELL
GEOGRAFISKA ANNALER SERIES A-PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Dec. 2012, [Reviewed]

Frost wedges as a periglacial climate indicator: reevaluation based on physical processes　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
Matsuoka, N, Elsevier
Quaternary International, Nov. 2012

Controls on patterned ground variability at a continuous permafrost site, Central Spitsbergen　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
Watanabe; T; Matsuoka; N; Christiansen; HH
Proceedings of the Tenth International Conference on Permafrost, Aug. 2012, [Reviewed]

Monitoring of a retrogressive rockslide in an alpine area : a case of Aresawa rockslide, Akaishi Range　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
NISHII; Ryoko; MATSUOKA; Norikazu, Japan Society of Erosion Control Engineering
砂防学会誌 : 新砂防 = Journal of the Japan Society of Erosion Control Engineering, Jan. 2012

〔Major achievements〕Research Frontier in Periglacial Processes　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
松岡; 憲知; 池田; 敦, Lead, Periglacial process studies, which began in the mid-20th century, have greatly advanced in recent years following several breakthroughs. This paper reviews the latest breakthroughs supported by new technologies, themes, and international projects. New technologies have enabled small, high-resolution data loggers to monitor rock and soil movements, and thermal and hydrological properties in polar and alpine areas; enabled geophysical instruments to visualize two- and three- dimensional subsurface structures below periglacial features; and, enabled numerical simulations to predict future landform evolution. In particular, dramatic progress has been achieved in understanding bedrock shattering and falls, soil movements induced by freeze-thaw oscillations, controls on rock glacier creep, critical conditions for ice-wedge cracking, and biogeophysical impacts on non-sorted circles. Two key words, global warming and Mars, are appearing often in periglacial research. High mountains and polar lowlands face the fate of potential natural hazards associated with rock slides, debris flows and thermokarst subsidence, possibly originating from permafrost thawing. High-resolution orbital images, Tokyo Geographical Society
Journal of Geography (Chigaku Zasshi), Jan. 2012, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Periglacial Environment and Landscape Dynamics of the Swiss Alps : A Summary of 15 Years of Observations and Their Implications　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
MATSUOKA; Norikazu; IKEDA; Atsushi, Lead, Spacio-temporal variability of contemporary periglacial environments in the Swiss Alps is summarized on the basis of 15 years of field observations of rock weathering, permafrost creep, and soil movements, as well as other recent studies. Diurnal and annual freeze-thaw cycles loosen wet rock joints, which subsequently produce rockfalls. A large episodic rockfall can temporarily raise the rate of rockwall retreat. Rock debris derived from different parent rocks controls the types of rock glacier having different compositions, thermal characteristics, and dynamics. Some rock glaciers at the lower limit of permafrost are accelerating due to intensified mobility, but they may eventually become inactive because of permafrost thawing and the lack of debris supply. On slopes mantled with fine debris, small-scale stripes and lobes tend to develop on the upper part due to thin debris and good drainage, whereas larger scale lobes increase downslope as a result of thicker debris, poor drainage, and gentler slopes. The former mainly responds to shallow diurnal freeze-thaw cycles, whereas the latter reflects frost heave and gelifluction during deeper annual freezing-thawing. A prolonged supp, Tokyo Geographical Society
Journal of Geography (Chigaku Zasshi), Jun. 2011, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Climate and material controls on periglacial soil processes: Toward improving periglacial climate indicators
Norikazu Matsuoka, Lead, One of the distinguished efforts of A.L. Washburn was to reconstruct mean annual air temperature using periglacial features as climate indicators. This paper reviews existing periglacial indicators and proposes a strategy to improve their thermal resolution based on recent periglacial process studies, with a focus on solifluction and thermal contraction cracking and associated landforms/structures. Landforms resulting from solifluction reflect both the depth subjected to freeze-thaw and the thickness of frost-susceptible soils. The thickness of a solifluction structure can be used to infer the dominant freeze-thaw regime and minimum seasonal frost depth. Ice-wedge pseudomorphs have limited potential as a climate indicator because (1) they mainly reflect extreme winter temperatures, (2) their thermal thresholds depend on the host material, and (3) they need to be distinguished from frost wedges of other origin produced under different thermal and/or material conditions. Monitoring studies of currently active ice wedges suggest that ice-wedge cracking requires a combination of low temperature and large temperature gradients in the frozen active layer. Further field monitoring of periglacial processes and their controlling factors under various climate conditions and in various materials are needed, however, to improve the resolution of periglacial paleoclimate indicators. (C) 2011 University of Washington. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved., ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE
QUATERNARY RESEARCH, Mar. 2011, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Monitoring rapid head scarp movement in an alpine rockslide
R. Nishii; N. Matsuoka, The Aresawa rockslide in the Japanese Alps, which partially collapsed in May 2004, produced a number of new tension cracks in the head area. This paper discusses the dynamics of the rock slope and controls on the surface velocity, based on the results of on-site monitoring of the surface movement and meteorological parameters (air and ground surface temperatures, precipitation and snow depth). The rock mass deformation progressed at ca. 60 cm yr(-1) mainly along a slip plane dipping downslope at ca. 50 degrees. The surface velocity of the slipping rock mass showed a significant seasonal variation in response to the water infiltration. The velocity was small (<= 1 mm day(-1)) in winter. Subzero air temperatures and a heat-insulating snow cover, and resulting growth of seasonal frost, prevent water infiltration into the bedrock and contribute to the rock slope stability. Most of the movement in this period is attributed to gravitational deformation originating from the overburden pressure. In contrast, the surface velocity increased (up to 10 mm day(-1)) during snow-melting and snow-free periods. Snowmelt and rainfalls promote water infiltration into the bedrock, destabilizing the rock slope and accelerating the rock slip. Such a rapid movement is attributed to water-induced sliding superimposed on gravitational deformation. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved., ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV
ENGINEERING GEOLOGY, Sep. 2010, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Solifluction and mudflow on a limestone periglacial slope in the Swiss Alps: 14 years of monitoring
Matsuoka; N, Lead, Wiley
Permafrost and Periglacial Processes, Sep. 2010, [Reviewed]

Dynamics of solifluction lobes in the Swiss Alps: A summary of 14-year monitoring.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
Matsuoka, N, European Geoscience Union
Geophysical Research Abstracts, Apr. 2009

〔Major achievements〕Permafrost and climate in Europe: Monitoring and modelling thermal, geomorphological and geotechnical responses
Charles Harris; Lukas U. Arenson; Hanne H. Christiansen; Bernd Etzelmuller; Regula Frauenfelder; Stephan Gruber; Wilfried Haeberli; Christian Hauck; Martin Hoelzle; Ole Humlum; Ketil Isaksen; Andreas Kaab; Martina A. Kern-Luetschg; Michael Lehning; Norikazu Matsuoka; Julian B. Murton; Jeanette Noezli; Marcia Phillips; Neil Ross; Matti Seppala; Sarah M. Springman; Daniel Vonder Muehll, We present a review of the changing state of European permafrost within a spatial zone that includes the continuous high latitude arctic permafrost of Svalbard and the discontinuous high altitude mountain permafrost of Iceland, Fennoscandia and the Alps. The paper focuses on methodological developments and data collection over the last decade or so, including research associated with the continent-scale network of instrumented permafrost boreholes established between 1998 and 2001 under the European Union PACE project. Data indicate recent warming trends, with greatest warming at higher latitudes. Equally important are the impacts of shorter-term extreme climatic events, most immediately reflected in changes in active layer thickness. A large number of complex variables, including altitude, topography, insolation and snow distribution, determine permafrost temperatures. The development of regionally calibrated empirical-statistical models, and physically based process-oriented models, is described, and it is shown that, though more complex and data dependent, process-oriented approaches are better suited to estimating transient effects of climate change in complex mountain topography. Mapping and characterisation of permafrost depth and distribution requires integrated multiple geophysical approaches and recent advances are discussed. We report on recent research into ground ice formation, including ice segregation within bedrock and vein ice formation within ice wedge systems. The potential impacts of climate change on rock weathering, permafrost creep, landslides. rock falls, debris flows and slow mass movements are also discussed. Recent engineering responses to the potentially damaging effects of climate warming are outlined, and risk assessment strategies to minimise geological hazards are described. We conclude that forecasting changes in hazard occurrence, magnitude and frequency is likely to depend on process-based modelling, demanding improved understanding of geomorphological process-response systems and their impacts on human activity. (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier B.V., ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV
EARTH-SCIENCE REVIEWS, Feb. 2009, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Permafrost and hydrology in the source area of the Yellow River
松岡; 憲知; 池田; 敦; 末吉; 哲雄, Lead, Frozen ground was investigated in 2003-2006 to evaluate the present-day distribution and ongoing degradation of permafrost in the source area of the Yellow River, located at the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. The presence of permafrost was examined by seismic, electrical and/or thermal soundings at 18 sites between 3,250 m and 4,800 m a.s.l. Then, permafrost distribution fi tted to the sounding results was mapped by means of GIS. Temporal variations in ground thermal and hydrological regimes were also investigated for two years at Madoi observatory (4,273 m a.s.l.), by automatic and manual observations of air and ground (0-8 m deep) temperatures, precipitation, snow depth, near-surface soil moisture and groundwater level. In addition, numerical simulation of the ground thermal profiles was performed to discuss the degree of permafrost degradation under the observed atmospheric warming.
    High P-wave velocities (＞2 km/s) and relatively high DC resistivities (650-1,100 Ωm) below a thin uppermost layer show that permafrost 10-30 m in thickness occurs above 4300 m a.s.l. In contrast, low P-wave velocities (＜1 km/s) throughout the sediments indicate that permafrost is absent below 4,000 m a.s.l. On widespread alluvial plains between 4,200 m and 4,300 m a.s.l., permafrost is lacking or significantly degraded. Negative values of the mean annual ground surface temperature (MAST) also indicate widespread permafrost only above 4,300 m a.s.l. under the present climatic condition. The seasonal frost penetration reachs a maximum depth of 2.6 m at the observatory. Intermittent and very shallow snow cover favor frost penetration. The ground between 4 m and 8 m in depth was kept at slightly positive temperatures (0-4 °C) throughout two years, although the presence of permafrost at this site was suggested by a few reports in the 1980s. Assuming that the inter-annual variation in MAST follows that in the mean annual air temperature, permafrost is estimated to have signifi cantly thawed on the alluvial plains at 4,200-4,300 m a.s.l. during the last half-century. The numerical simulation suggests that thin (＜15 m) permafrost can signifi cantly degrade within this time scale. The resulting degradation of the permafrost is assumed to have extended 3,000 km² on the alluvial plains in the source area., 産業技術総合研究所地質調査総合センター
Bulletin of the Geological Survey of Japan, Jan. 2009

〔Major achievements〕Frost weathering and rockwall erosion in the southeastern Swiss Alps: Long-term (1994-2006) observations
Norikazu Matsuoka, Lead, Rates and processes of frost weathering in the Alps were investigated by visual observations of intensively shattered rocks, continuous monitoring of frost wedging and rock temperatures in bedrock and measurements of rockfall activity. Rapid frost weathering of hard-intact rocks occurs along lakes and streams where seasonal freezing promotes ice segregation in the rock. Otherwise, rocks require pre-existing weakness or a long exposure period for intensively shattered. Automated monitoring shows that crack opening occurs at three scales, including small opening accompanying short-term frost cycles, slightly larger movements during seasonal freezing and occasional large opening originating from refreezing of snow-melt water during seasonal thawing. The opening events require at least partial water saturation in the crack. The repetition of crack opening (frost wedging) results in permanent opening and finally debris dislocation. Debris collections below fractured rockwalls show that pebble falls occur at an average rate of about 0.1 mm a(-1) with significant spatial and inter-annual variations. Occasional large boulder falls significantly raise the rockwall erosion rates, controlled by such factors as the joint distribution in the bedrock, repetition of annual freeze-thaw cycles and extraordinary summer thaw. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved., ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV
GEOMORPHOLOGY, Jul. 2008, [Reviewed]

Thermal history of degrading permafrost in the source region of Yellow River, northeastern Tibet　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
Sueyoshi; T; Ikeda; A; Matsuoka; N; Ishii; T, Institute of Northern Engineering, University of Alaska
Ninth International Conference on Permafrost, Jun. 2008, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Ice-wedge polygon dynamics in Svalbard: High resolution monitoring by multiple techniques
Matsuoka; N; Christiansen; HH, Lead, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Proceedings of 9th International Conference on Permafrost, Jun. 2008, [Reviewed]

Sounding ice and soil wedge structures with ground-penetrating radar　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
Watanabe; T; Matsuoka; N; Christiansen; H H; Ikeda; A, Institute of Northern Engineering, University of Alaska
Ninth International Conference on Permafrost, Jun. 2008, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Frost weathering: Recent advances and future directions
Norikazu Matsuoka; Julian Murton, Lead, This paper reviews frost-weathering studies in the last five years and proposes key questions to be answered. New techniques have enabled us to monitor moisture contents and crack movements in near-surface hard jointed bedrock and to evaluate seasonal rockfall activity in high mountains. Field monitoring has highlighted the roles of diurnal and annual frost cycles in controlling the timing and magnitude of frost weathering. In the laboratory, bidirectional freezing in soft, porous rocks has produced fractures containing segregated ice layers near the permafrost table, which imply the development of ice-filled fractures in permafrost bedrock over long time-scales. This finding, combined with numerical modelling of the thermal regime in permafrost rock slopes, contributes to the prediction of large-scale rockfalls and rock avalanches triggered by permafrost degradation. Future studies should also focus on explosive shattering, frost weathering of hard-intact rocks, field monitoring of ice segregation and bedrock heave, and the role of frost weathering in landscape evolution. Copyright (c) 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., WILEY
PERMAFROST AND PERIGLACIAL PROCESSES, Apr. 2008, [Reviewed], [Invited]

〔Major achievements〕Fast deformation of perennially frozen debris in a warm rock glacier in the Swiss Alps: An effect of liquid water
Atsushi Ikeda; Norikazu Matsuoka; Andreas Kaab, Surface movement, internal deformation, and temperature were monitored over 5 years on Buz North rock glacier, a small rock glacier located at the lower limit of the permafrost belt in the Swiss Alps. The permafrost in the rock glacier mainly consists of pebbles and cobbles filled with interstitial ice. Two inclinometers installed at 4 and 5 m depths showed fast deformation with large seasonal and interannual variations, while the permafrost temperatures remained almost at the melting point. The movement of the inclinometers coincided with changes in the surface velocities. The deformation rapidly accelerated during snowmelt periods, whereas it gradually decelerated below a dry snow cover in winter. The frozen debris was more deformable than typical glacier ice at the melting point. These phenomena suggest that the frozen debris is permeable to snowmelt water. The fast deformation should result from significant annual relocation of debris particles, which probably creates a network of air voids in the frozen debris that eventually allows water infiltration. The meltwater infiltration accelerates the deformation by reducing effective stress, resulting in the reduced strength of the frozen debris. The refreezing of the pore water, which depends on the cooling intensity in winter, decelerates the deformation. The combination of these processes controls the temporal variations in the deformation., AMER GEOPHYSICAL UNION
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-EARTH SURFACE, Mar. 2008, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Involutions resulting from annual freeze-thaw cycles: a laboratory simulation based on observations in northeastern Japan
Yoshiko Ogino; Norikazu Matsuoka, Corresponding, A pilot laboratory experiment using a reversed two-layer soil model simulated small-scale involutions formed in a seasonal frost environment during the last glacial period. At the modelled site, the interface between the upper aeolian sandy loam and the lower volcanic pumice constitutes small-scale involutions that display upward-extending tapered projections and downward-extending round hollows. Two scale-reduced laboratory models were subjected to three accelerated annual freeze-thaw cycles with monitoring of frost heave, soil temperature, moisture and pressure. Ice segregation near the layer interface induces upheaving of coarse pumice grains on freezing and earlier settlement of mobilised loam on thawing, resulting in deformation of the interface. A reconstructed 3-D interface displays mounds and depressions with a diameter of 15-20 cm and a height increasing with freeze-thaw alternations. The experimental results imply that the repetition of differential heave and soft-loam settlement promotes decimetre-scale involutions in near-saturated soils subject to deep seasonal frost penetration. Copyright (C) 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., JOHN WILEY & SONS LTD
PERMAFROST AND PERIGLACIAL PROCESSES, Oct. 2007, [Reviewed]

Permafrost Sounding (2003-2005) in the Source Area of the Yellow River, Northeastern Tibet
IKEDA Atsushi; SUEYOSHI Tetsuo; MATSUOKA Norikazu; ISHII Takemasa; UCHIDA Youhei, Present-day distribution and ongoing degradation of permafrost were evaluated by geophysical means in the source area of the Yellow River, located at the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. Seismic, electrical and/or thermal soundings were undertaken at 15 sites between 3260m and 4790m ASL in 2003-2005. High P-wave velocities (>2kms^-1) and relatively high DC resistivities (650-1100Ωm) below a thin uppermost layer show that permafrost 10-30m in thickness occurs above 4300m ASL. In contrast, low P-wave velocities (<1kms^-1) throughout the uppermost ten to fifteen meters of sediments indicate that permafrost is absent below 4000m ASL. On widespread alluvial plains between 4200m and 4300m ASL, some sites show subsurface intermediate P-wave velocities (1.5-1.7kms^-1) and low resistivities (30-140Ωm) indicating the presence of unfrozen-saturated sediments, while others show high DC resistivities possibly indicating the presence of permafrost. Negative values of the mean annual ground surface temperature (MAST) also indicate widespread permafrost only above 4300m ASL under the present climatic condition. Assuming that the inter-annual variation in MAST follows that in the mean annual air temperature, permafrost is estimated to have significantly thawed on the alluvial plains at 4200-4300m ASL during the last half-century., The Association of Japanese Geographers
Geographical review of Japan series A, 2007

黄河源流域に永久凍土を探す (特集:黄河地下水プロジェクト(その1))
池田; 敦; 末吉; 哲雄; 松岡; 憲知; 石井武政, 実業公報社
Chishitsu news, Jan. 2007

〔Major achievements〕Quaternary bedrock erosion and landscape evolution in the Sor Rondane Mountains, East Antarctica: Reevaluating rates and processes
Norikazu Matsuoka; Celine E. Thomachot; Chiaki T. Oguchi; Tamao Hatta; Masahiro Abe; Hiroyuki Matsuzaki, Lead, Rates and processes of rock weathering, soil formation, and mountain erosion during the Quaternary were evaluated in an inland Antarctic cold desert. The fieldwork involved investigations of weathering features and soil profiles for different stages after deglaciation. Laboratory analyses addressed chemistry of rock coatings and soils, as well as Be-10 and Al-26 exposure ages of the bedrock. Less resistant gneiss bedrock exposed over 1 Ma shows stone pavements underlain by in situ produced silty soils thinner than 40 cm and rich in sulfates, which reflect the active layer thickness, the absence of cryoturbation, and the predominance of salt weathering. During the same exposure period, more resistant granite bedrock has undergone long-lasting cavernous weathering that produces rootless mushroom-like boulders with a strongly Fe-oxidized coating. The red coating protects the upper surface from weathering while very slow microcracking progresses by the growth of sulfates. Geomorphological evidence and cosmogenic exposure ages combine to provide contrasting average erosion rates. No erosion during the Quaternary is suggested by a striated roche moutonnee exposed more than 2 Ma ago. Differential erosion between granite and gneiss suggests a significant lowering rate of desert pavements in excess of 10 m Ma(-1). The landscape has been (on the whole) stable, but the erosion rate varies spatially according to microclimate, geology, and surface composition. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved., ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV
GEOMORPHOLOGY, Nov. 2006, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Riverbank freeze-thaw erosion along a small mountain stream, Nikko volcanic area, central Japan
Manabu Yumoto; Takayuki Ogata; Norikazu Matsuoka; Eiji Matsumoto, Processes of riverbank erosion involve fluvial entrainment, mass failure and subaerial erosion. The role of freeze-thaw action in these erosion processes was investigated along a small mountain stream in a region with seasonal frost. Riverbank profiles, horizontal erosion, soil temperature, frost depth and soil water content were monitored over 20 months including two winters. Diurnal and annual freeze-thaw action directly triggers subaerial erosion and indirectly contributes to mass failure and fluvial entrainment. The rate of subaerial erosion reaches a maximum during the thawing period, reinforced by increasing water content and decreasing soil hardness. The subaerial erosion, which occurs uniformly along the riverbank and recurs every year, contributes to progressive deepening of a notch developed above the water level as both preparatory and erosive processes. The overdeepening of the notch decreases bank stability, followed by occasional mass failure immediately after the thawing period and periodic fluvial entrainment during the summer flood period. The annual amount of subaerial erosion is comparable to that of fluvial entrainment. These observations demonstrate that freeze-thaw erosion plays a fundamental role in erosion of riverbanks subject to deep seasonal frost. Copyright (C) 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., JOHN WILEY & SONS LTD
PERMAFROST AND PERIGLACIAL PROCESSES, Oct. 2006, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕High-centered polygons in the So/r Rondane Mountains, East Antarctica: Possible effect of ice wedge sublimation
Matsuoka; Norikazu; Hirakawa; Kazuomi, Lead, Small high-centered polygons, 3-15m in diameter, dominate moraine fields in an inland cold desert of the Sr Rondane Mountains, Antarctica. They mainly occur on moraine fields at two stages younger than 1Ma. The polygons on the younger moraine (<0.5Ma) generally have an ice wedge surrounded by ice-cemented permafrost, although the ice wedge cracking is inactive or too slow to be detectable. The polygons on the older moraine (0.5-1Ma) have either an ice wedge or ice-free wedge. The ice-free wedge underlies a subsided trough and consists entirely of loose and coarse sediments with vertically-oriented clasts, which represents an ice-wedge cast probably originating from long-term sublimation of an ice wedge. These observations suggest that flat-top polygons with ice wedges form in wet permafrost when located close to the ice sheet surface, but that the subsequent ice sheet lowering separates the polygons from the moisture source, and finally long-term ice sublimation leads to domed polygons with ice-wedge casts enclosed in dry permafrost., National Institute of Polar Research
Polar geoscience, Oct. 2006, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Monitoring periglacial processes: Towards construction of a global network
Norikazu Matsuoka, This paper outlines the strategy for constructing a global monitoring network for periglacial processes. The monitoring system should be designed with appropriate choices of parameters and techniques, which depend on the purpose of monitoring (e.g. modelling individual processes or assessing the sediment budget of a catchment). Acquisition of comparable data from globally distributed sites requires standardized techniques and instruments. In addition, expansion of the monitoring network to poorly accessible periglacial sites benefits from compact, cold-resistant and maintenance-free instruments; priority is given to automatic acquisition of year-round data that promote understanding of interactions between ground movements and environmental factors. Examples of previous process monitoring (frost wedging, solifluction and permafrost creep) suggest the significances of (1) high resolution of data for short-term, small-scale processes, (2) combination of movement and its major variables and (3) long-lasting monitoring that distinguishes long-term trend from interannual fluctuation. As the first stage of the monitoring network, a model experimental site is under construction in Svalbard where a variety of periglacial processes coexist in a small area, to test and compare various techniques to be standardized. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved., ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV
GEOMORPHOLOGY, Oct. 2006, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Permafrost creep and rock glacier dynamics
Wilfried Haeberli; Bernard Hallet; Lukas Arenson; Roger Elconin; Ole Humlun; Andreas Kaab; Viktor Kaufmann; Branko Ladanyi; Norikazu Matsuoka; Sarah Springman; Daniel Vonder Muhll, This review paper examines thermal conditions (active layer and permafrost), internal composition (rock and ice components), kinematics and rheology of creeping perennially frozen slopes in cold mountain areas. The aim is to assemble current information about creep in permafrost and rock glaciers from diverse published sources into a single paper that will be useful in studies of the flow and deformation of subsurface ice and their surface manifestations not only on Earth, but also on Mars. Emphasis is placed on quantitative information from drilling, borehole measurements, geophysical soundings, photogrammetry, laboratory experiments, etc. It is evident that quantitative holistic treatment of permafrost creep and rock glaciers requires consideration of: (a) rock weathering, snow avalanches and rockfall, with grain-size sorting on scree slopes; (b) freezing processes and ice formation in scree at sub-zero temperatures containing abundant fine material as well as coarse-grained blocks; (c) coupled thermohydro-mechanical aspects of creep and failure processes in frozen rock debris; (d) kinematics of non-isotropic, heterogeneous and layered, ice-rich permafrost on slopes with long transport paths for coarse surface material from the headwall to the front and, in some cases, subsequent re-incorporation into an advancing rock glacier causing corresponding age inversion at depth; and (e) the dynamics of rock glaciers, which include spatial and temporal variations in velocity that are manifested in the ridges, furrows and other surface structures typical of rock glaciers, as well as their down-valley motion. Copyright (C) 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., JOHN WILEY & SONS LTD
PERMAFROST AND PERIGLACIAL PROCESSES, Jul. 2006, [Reviewed]

Comparison of geophysical investigations for detection of massive ground ice (pingo ice)
K Yoshikawa; C Leuschen; A Ikeda; K Harada; P Gogineni; P Hoekstra; L Hinzman; Y Sawada; N Matsuoka, [1] Six different geophysical investigations, (1) ground-penetrating radar, (2) DC resistivity sounding, (3) seismic refraction, (4) very low frequency (VHF) electromagnetic, (5) helicopter borne electromagnetic (HEM), and (6) transient electromagnetic (TEM) techniques, were employed to obtain information on the ice body properties of pingos near Fairbanks, Alaska. The surface nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data were also compared from similar sites near one of the study pingos. The geophysical investigations were undertaken, along with core sampling and permafrost drilling, to enable measurement of the ground temperature regime. Drilling (ground truthing) results support field geophysical investigations, and have led to the development of a technique for distinguishing massive ice and overburden material of the permafrost. The two-dimensional DC resistivity sounding tomography and ground-penetrating radar profiling are useful for ice detection under heterogeneous conditions. However, the DC resistivity sounding investigation required high-quality ground contact and less area coverage. The active layer thickness and the homogeneous horizontal structure of the overburden material are important parameters influencing detection of massive ice in permafrost for most methods such as seismic, TEM, or surface NMR., AMER GEOPHYSICAL UNION
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-PLANETS, Jun. 2006, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Pebbly versus bouldery rock glaciers: Morphology, structure and processes
A Ikeda; N Matsuoka, Differences in rockwall geology cause two types of rock glaciers: a bouldery rock glacier, having the active layer composed of matrix-free boulders derived from crystalline rocks and massive limestone; and a pebbly rock glacier, consisting of matrix-supported debris derived from less resistant shale and platy limestone. Such material composition controls transport processes responsible for the shape, size and internal structure of the two types of rock glaciers. This paper compares the major processes controlling the morphology and structure of the two types in the Swiss Alps, based on mapping, description of geological and morphological characteristics, direct observation of stratigraphy and geophysical soundings of internal structure.
In the Swiss Alps, pebbly rock glaciers are distinguished from bouldery rock glaciers by the clast size of 15-20 cm in the mean b-axis diameter. The former are fed by small-scale rockfalls, debris flows and solifluction, whereas the latter mainly originate from large rockfalls. Pebbly rock glaciers are generally smaller (< 200 m in length) than bouldery rock glaciers, because the small exposure of the less resistant source rockwall (< 50 m in height) strongly constrains debris supply. As a result, pebbly rock glaciers usually terminate within a valley-side slope, whereas many bouldery rock glaciers extend into the valley bottom. The location of pebbly rock glaciers results in the low frontal slope (< 20 m) and the lack of transverse ridge-furrow topography, because of the lack of compressive flow. The pit-borehole stratigraphy and low DC resistivities (< 10 k Omega m) indicate ice-cemented or slightly supersaturated permafrost in the pebbly rock glaciers, which presumably originates from groundwater freezing. In contrast, highly ice-supersaturated structure indicated by high DC resistivities (> 100 k Omega m) in bouldery rock glaciers appears to originate from snow banks buried with deposits of large rockfalls from the large source rockwall. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V All rights reserved., ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV
GEOMORPHOLOGY, Feb. 2006, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Temporal and spatial variations in periglacial soil movements on alpine crest slopes
N Matsuoka, This paper describes tip to ten years of continuous monitoring of frost heave, creep and associated parameters on high mountain crest slopes in the Japanese and Swiss Alps, aiming to evaluate spatial and interannual variations in the rates and controls of soil movement. Shallow frost creep reflecting diurnal frost heave activity dominates the crest slopes that lack a vegetation mat and have a thin debris mantle with good drainage. Seasonal frost heave activity can induce slightly deeper movement where fine soil exists below the depth reached by diurnal freeze-thaw penetration, although the shallow bedrock impedes movements below 20 cm depth. As a result, downslope velocity profiles display strong concavity with surface velocities of 2-50 cm a(-1). The frost creep rates vary spatially, depending on the soil texture, slope gradient, frequency of temperature cycling across 0degreesC and moisture availability during freeze-thaw periods. Soil movements recur in every freeze-thaw period, although with some interannual variations affected by the length of seasonal snow cover and the occurrence of precipitation during freeze-thaw periods. The Swiss Alps encounter more significant interannual variations than the Japanese Alps, reflecting the large variability of the annual snow regime. Copyright (C) 2005 John Wiley Sons, Ltd., JOHN WILEY & SONS LTD
EARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS, Jan. 2005, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Morphometric analysis of solifluction lobes and rock glaciers in the Swiss Alps
N Matsuoka; A Ikeda; T Date, Lead, Solifluction lobes and rock glaciers show similar geometry with a wide range of sizes. Morphometric analysis classifies these lobate landforms in the eastern Swiss Alps into five subgroups. A bouldery rock glacier has an active layer composed of matrix-free boulders, whereas a pebbly rock glacier consists of matrix-supported debris derived from less resistant rocks. Both move by permafrost creep at 5-30 m depth, but the former tends to have a longer tread. A high solifluction lobe, having a riser 0.2-3 m high, originates mainly from annual gelifluction operating within the top 0.5 m of sediment, and its variation, a mudflow-affected high solifluction lobe, occurs where prolonged snowmelt triggers a rapid flow of the thawed surficial layer. A low solifluction lobe has a riser up to 0.2 m high and occurs where thin fine-grained debris responds mainly to diurnal frost creep. These lobes show, on the whole, positive relations between the tread length (L), width (W) and the riser height (H). However, a regression analysis separates the rock glaciers from the solifluction lobes by a distinct gap at W (or L) = 30 m and H = 3 m and provides different regression lines for the two populations. The morphometry primarily determined by the transport process is H, which approximates or slightly exceeds the maximum depth of movement. The depth of movement also affects the horizontal extent of a moving mass, which defines W. A lobe appears where horizontal homogeneity exceeds 3H, and advances with time until reaching a maximum L controlled by climatic or dynamic conditions. Lobe morphometry can be used as an environmental indicator. Copyright (c) 2005 John Wiley S Sons, Ltd., JOHN WILEY & SONS LTD
PERMAFROST AND PERIGLACIAL PROCESSES, Jan. 2005, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Frost damage of bricks composing a railway tunnel monument in Central Japan: field monitoring and laboratory simulation
C Thomachot; N Matsuoka; N Kuchitsu; M Morii, Bricks of tunnels and bridges of Usui Pass railway (Japan) exposed to north are subject to frost damage. Average depth of erosion due to detachment of angular blocks is around 1-1.5 cm. In order to assess this weathering and to understand its mechanism, an experimental study was carried out in the field and laboratory. Field monitoring showed the combination of seasonal and diurnal freezing with a maximum of heave when the freezing front reached 5 cm depth. Bricks taken from the site were submitted to unidirectional freezing at capillary and vacuum saturation in the laboratory. Results showed that frost damage of bricks was favoured by high saturation level and repetition of freeze-thaw cycles., EUROPEAN GEOSCIENCES UNION
NATURAL HAZARDS AND EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCES, 2005, [Reviewed]

Permafrost sounding (2003-2004) in the source area of the Yellow River, China　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
Matsuoka; N; Ikeda; A; Sueyoshi; T; Ishii; T
Annual Report of the Institute of Geoscience, the University of Tsukuba, Dec. 2004

Permafrost survey in the source region of the Yellow River : a preliminary report　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
IKEDA; Atsushi; MATSUOKA; Norikazu; SUEYOSHI; Tetsuo, 日本雪氷学会
Seppyo, Mar. 2004, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Present-day periglacial environments in central Spitsbergen, Svalbard　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
Matsuoka; N; Sawaguchi; S; Yoshikawa; K, Lead
Geographical Review of Japan, Jan. 2004, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Monitoring periglacial processes: New methodology and technology
N Matsuoka; O Humlum, Lead, WILEY
PERMAFROST AND PERIGLACIAL PROCESSES, Oct. 2003

〔Major achievements〕Mountain permafrost in Japan: distribution, landforms and thermal regimes
M Ishikawa; K Fukui; M Aoyama; A Ikeda; Y Sawada; N Matsuoka, This paper reviews mountain permafrost studies in Japan, highlighting the activities of the Mountain Permafrost Research Group founded as a working group of the Association of Japanese Geographers in 1998. The extent and thickness of permafrost were evaluated by means of geophysical sounding and ground temperature monitoring conducted on a number of Japanese mountains. The field measurements show that permafrost is present in two contrasting snow cover situations: wind-blown, thinly snow-covered terrain and thick blocky sediments covered with late-lying snow. The former situation occurs in the summit areas of two high volcanoes, the Daisetsu Mountains and Mt. Fuji, where thin snow cover and low temperatures permit deep frost penetration in winter. The latter involves talus-derived rock glaciers developed in deglaciated cirques in the Japanese Alps which consist of non-volcanic high mountain ranges. In the latter situation, the preservation of permafrost is favored by both intensive cooling through matrix-free boulders and the thermal insulation effect of thick snow cover lying until late summer. Intensive cold air ventilation also allows permafrost to develop in some block slopes and lava tubes below the timberline, even where the mean annual air temperature is considerably above 0degreesC., GEBRUDER BORNTRAEGER
ZEITSCHRIFT FUR GEOMORPHOLOGIE, Mar. 2003

A rapidly moving small rock glacier at the lower limit of the mountain permafrost belt in the Swiss Alps
A Ikeda; N Matsuoka; A Kaab, Surface and internal movements, structure and thermal conditions were investigated on a small talus-derived rock glacier in the Upper Engadin. A borehole 5.4 m deep drilled on the upper part of the rock glacier displayed ice-saturated sediments, consisting of pebbles, cobbles and fine debris. The mean annual temperatures were close to 0degreesC within the uppermost 5 m of ground. Whereas the lower part moved downslope only slightly, the upper part showed rapid movement (50-150 cm a(-1)), accelerating over a 3-year period. Inclinometers also showed large deformation of permafrost at depth. A DC resistivity tomogram indicates that permafrost is thinner than 20 m. Permafrost close to the melting point is deformed rapidly and is sensitive to inter-annual variation in ground temperature. Such rapid movement is considered to be temporary and eventually followed by inactivation of the rock glacier because of permafrost melting and a lack of debris input., A A BALKEMA PUBLISHERS
PERMAFROST, VOLS 1 AND 2, 2003, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Contemporary periglacial processes in the Swiss Alps: seasonal, inter-annual and long-term variations
N Matsuoka; A Ikeda; K Hirakawa; T Watanabe, Comprehensive monitoring of periglacial weathering and mass wasting has been undertaken near the lower limit of the mountain permafrost belt. Seven years of monitoring highlight both seasonal and inter-annual variations. On the seasonal scale, three types of movements are identified: (A) small magnitude events associated with diurnal freeze-thaw cycles, (B) larger events during early seasonal freezing and (C) sporadic events originating from refreezing of meltwater during seasonal thawing. Type A produces pebbles or smaller fragments from rockwalls and shallow (<10 cm) frost creep on debris slopes. Types B and C are responsible for larger debris production and deeper (<50 cm) frost creep/gelifluction. Some of these events contribute to permanent opening of rock Joints and advance of solifluction lobes. Sporadic large boulder falls enhance inter-annual variation in rockwall retreat rates. On some debris slopes, prolonged snow melting occasionally triggers rapid soil flow, which causes inter-annual variation in rates of sod movement., A A BALKEMA PUBLISHERS
PERMAFROST, VOLS 1 AND 2, 2003, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Contemporary permafrost and periglaciation in Asian high mountains: an overview　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
Matsuoka; N
Zeitschrift fur Geomorphologie, Supplement Band, Jan. 2003, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Differential frost heave and sorted patterned ground: field measurements and a laboratory experiment
Matsuoka; N; Abe; M; Ijiri; M, Lead
Geomorphology, Jan. 2003, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Mountain Permafrost and Periglacial Environments in Asia
MATSUOKA; Norikazu, Asian high mountains involve a large area and a wide variety of periglacial environments. This paper reviews distribution, landscapes and geomorphic processes of mountain permafrost and periglacial belts in the Asian mountains. The lower limit of mountain permafrost descends northwards at a rate of about 160 m per degree of latitude. At the same latitudes, arid continental mountains have a lower limit about 1, 000 m higher than humid mountains, which contrasts with the subpolar mountain permafrost in Scandinavia. The altitudinal extent of the mountain permafrost belt commonly exceeds 700 m in the arid continental mountains, while it is generally less than 700 m in the humid continental and Pacific mountains. A non-permafrost but deep seasonal frost area usually lies between the lower limit of permafrost and the timberline. In the arid continental mountains, despite a vast extent of the periglacial environments, the lack of moisture minimizes frost action that produces typical periglacial landforms. However, the large height of the permafrost belt, when combined with local moisture sources, can produce very long rock glaciers and block streams. In the humid Himalaya, steep rockwalls, Tokyo Geographical Society
Journal of Geography(Chigaku Zasshi), Aug. 2002, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Degradation of talus-derived rock glaciers in the upper engadin, Swiss alps
Atsushi Ikeda; Norikazu Matsuoka, Active and inactive rock glaciers differ from relict rock glaciers in the presence of subsurface permafrost, as indicated by high seismic velocity, high DC resistivity and low bottom temperature of the winter snow cover. The lack of vegetation on the frontal slope and negative mean annual surface temperatures (MAST) distinguish active rock glaciers from inactive rock glaciers. Increasing MAST induces melting of ice-rich permafrost, which is followed by the subsidence of rock glaciers. As a result, convex-up transverse profiles are replaced by flat or depressed profiles. Permafrost degradation inactivates rock glaciers by decreasing shear stress, within or at the base of the deforming ice/rock mixture, causing stabilization and declination of the frontal slope. Relict rock glaciers are usually associated with soil development over the surficial clasts, which is responsible for further declination of the frontal slope and a more rounded topography. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley &
Sons, Ltd.
Permafrost and Periglacial Processes, 2002, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Rock slope failures associated with deglaciation: some examples from glaciated valleys in the Swiss Alps
Matsuoka; N; Abe; M
Annual Report of the Institute of Geoscience, the University of Tsukuba, Jan. 2002

〔Major achievements〕Weathering in cold regions: Some thoughts and perspective
Kevin Hall; Colin E. Thorn; Norikazu Matsuoka; Angelique Prick, Weathering in cold regions has primarily focused on the notion of 'cold', such that process and landform theory have generally used this both as the developmental criterion and as the outcome of palaeoenvironmental reconstructions based on landforms or sediments. As a result of this approach, the process focus in terms of weathering has been that mechanical processes predominate, with freeze-thaw weathering as the prime agent, and that chemical processes are temperature-inhibited, often to the point of nonoccurrence. Here a reconsideration of the whole conceptual framework of weathering in cold environments is undertaken. It is shown that, contrary to popular presentations, weathering, including chemical weathering, is not temperature-limited but rather is limited by moisture availability. Indeed, summer, and ofttimes even winter, rock temperatures are more than adequate to support mechanical and chemical weathering if water is present. Where water is available it is clearly shown that chemical weathering can be a major component of the weathering regime. The argument is made that there is no zonality to cold environment weathering as none of the processes or process associations are unique to cold regions
indeed, many cold regions show similar weathering assemblages to those in hot arid regions. Process-form relationships are also questioned. The assumption of angularity with weathering in cold regions is questioned, all the more so as hot arid studies identify exactly the same angularity of debris form. Further, that all forms have to be angular is shown by field examples to be no more than an artefact of original unquestioning and oft-repeated assumptions, now over a century or more old. The argument is made that there is a strong need for the reconsideration of the nature of weathering in cold environments, that current theory should be questioned and challenged, and field observation undertaken within this revised frame of reference.
Progress in Physical Geography, 2002, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Microgelivation versus macrogelivation: towards bridging the gap between laboratory and field frost weathering
Matsuoka; N
Permafrost and Periglacial Processes, Jan. 2001, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Direct observation of frost wedging in alpine bedrock
Matsuoka; N
Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, Jan. 2001, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Geological controls on the distribution of talus-derived rock glaciers　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
Matsuoka; N; Ikeda; A
Annual Report of the Institute of Geoscience, the University of Tsukuba, Jan. 2001

〔Major achievements〕Solifluction rates, processes and landforms: A global review
Norikazu Matsuoka, Field data on the rates of solifluction and associated parameters are compiled from the literature, in an attempt to evaluate factors controlling the spatial variability in solifluction processes and landforms, with special attention on the climate-solifluction relationship. The analyzed data originate from 46 sites over a wide range of periglacial environments, from Antarctic nunataks to tropical high mountains. Solifluction, broadly defined as slow mass wasting resulting from freeze-thaw action in fine-textured soils, involves several components: needle ice creep and diurnal frost creep originating from diurnal freeze-thaw action
annual frost creep, gelifluction and plug-like flow originating from annual freeze-thaw action
and retrograde movement caused by soil cohesion. The depth and thickness of ice lenses and freeze-thaw frequency are the major controls on the spatial variation in solifluction processes. Near the warm margin of the solifluction-affected environment, diurnal freeze-thaw action induces shallow but relatively rapid movement of a superficial layer 5-10 cm thick on average, often creating the thin stone-banked lobes typically seen on tropical high mountains. In addition to diurnal movement, annual frost creep and gelifluction may occur on slopes with soil climates of seasonal frost to warm permafrost, dislocating a soil layer shallower than 60 cm at a rate of centimeters per year and eventually producing medium-size solifluction lobes. In High-Arctic cold permafrost regions, two-sided freezing can induce plug-like flow of a soil mass 60 cm or thicker. The correlation between process and landform suggests that the riser height of lobes is indicative of the maximum depth of movement and prevailing freeze-thaw type. Climate change may result in new different ground freezing conditions, thereby influencing the surface velocity and maximum depth of soil movement. Soil moisture and topography also control solifluction. High moisture availability in the seasonal freezing period enhances diurnal freeze-thaw action and subsequent seasonal frost heaving. The latter contributes to raising the moisture content of the thawed layer and promotes gelifluction during the thawing period. The slope angle defines the upper limit of the surface velocity of solifluction. A diagram correlating the potential frost creep with the actual surface velocity permits an inter-site comparison of the relative magnitude of solifluction components. Physically based modelling of periglacial slope evolution requires synthetic and more detailed field monitoring and laboratory simulations of solifluction processes. © 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Earth-Science Reviews, 2001, [Reviewed]

Slope Instability in the Mountain Permafrost Belt of the Alps　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
MATSUOKA; Norikazu; HIRAKAWA; Kazuomi; WATANABE; Teiji; IKEDA; Atsushi, Tokyo Geographical Society
Journal of Geography(Chigaku Zasshi), Oct. 2000

Significance and Problems in the Enlargement of the Swiss National Park
WATANABE Teiji; SAWAGAKI Takanobu; HIRAKAWA Kazuomi; MATSUOKA Norikazu, The Hokkaido Geographical Society
Annals of the Hokkaido Geographical Society, 2000, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Solifluction resulting from one-sided and two-sided freezing : Field data from Svalbard.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
Matsuoka; N; Hirakawa; K
Polar Geoscience, Jan. 2000, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Controls on sorted patterned-ground geometry in the Swiss Alps　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
Abe; M; Matsuoka; N
Annual Report of the Institute of Geoscience, the University of Tsukuba, Jan. 2000

〔Major achievements〕Monitoring of thermal contraction cracking at an ice wedge site, central Spitsbergen.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
Matsuoka; N
Polar Geoscience, Jan. 1999, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Measurements of bottom temperature of the winter snow cover (BTS) in relation to rock glacier activity, Corviglia, Swiss Alps : a preliminary report. (共著)　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
Ikeda; A; Matsuoka; N
Annual Report of the Institute of Geoscience, the University of Tsukuba, Jan. 1999

〔Major achievements〕Rockfall activity from an alpine cliff during thawing periods (共著)
Matsuoka; N; Sakai; H, Lead
Geomorphology, Jan. 1999, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Modelling frost creep rates in an alpine environment
Matsuoka; N
Permafrost and Periglacial Processes, Nov. 1998, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕The role of diurnal, annual and millennial freeze-thaw cycles in controlling alpine slope stability(共著)
Matsuoka; N; Hirakawa; K; Watanabe; T; Haeberli; W; Keller; F, Lead, Centre d'etudes nordiques, Universite Laval
Proceedings of the Seventh International Conference on Permafrost, Jul. 1998, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Some observations regarding mountain permafrost in the Japanese Alps(共著)
Matsuoka; N, University of Tsukuba
Annual Report of the Institute of Geoscience, the University of Tsukuba, Jan. 1998

Monitoring rockwall instability in the Murt(]E85C2[)l-Corvatsch region, Upper Engadin　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
Matsuoka; N
Beitr(]E88D2[)ge aus der Gebirgs-Geomorphologie, Mitteilungen der Versuchsanstalt f(]E88DB[)r Wasserbau, Hydrologie und Glaziologie der Eidgen(]E88D8[)ssischen Technischen Hochschule Z(]E88DB[)rich, Jan. 1998, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕The relationship between frost heave and downslope soil movement : field measurements in the Japanese Alps
Matsuoka; N
Permfrost and Periglacial Processes, Jan. 1998, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Rock glaciers : glacial or periglacial?
松岡憲知, Recent progress in rock glacier studies is reviewed with some emphases on the competition between the glacial and periglacial hypotheses. Rock glaciers are tongue-shaped or lobate bodies composed of angular boulders that resembles a small glacier, usually accompanied by multiple transverse ridges resulting from a compressive flow. Rock glaciers are classified, in terms of the origin of surface materials, into talus and morainic rock glaciers, and in the light of the activity status, into active, inactive and fossil ones. The distribution of active rock glaciers are delimited by the regional glacier equilibrium line and lower limit of mountain permafrost.
The internal structure of rock glaciers has been approached by direct observations and indirect geophysical soundings. In some rock glaciers, natural outcrops exhibit a massive ice body with debris bands beneath the surface boulder layer, which has encouraged the glacial hypothesis. Massive ice was also found in boreholes penetrating through a rock glacier permafrost in the Swiss Alps, despite being considered to originate from snow avalanche or refrozen meltwater. In fact, deformation occurred mostly in the frozen debris layer beneath the massive ice, indicating the periglacial origin of the rock glacier due to permafrost creep. Geophysical soundings, including seismic, geoelectric and gravimetric measurements, have provided useful information on the three-dimensional structure, stratigraphy and ice contents of rock glacier bodies, although authors preferring the glacial hypothesis tend to reject such indirect results. The origin of any rock glacier is thus equivocal without detailed analyses of internal stratigraphy and ice composition.
Most of the active rock glaciers are moving at a speed of 10¹ cm yr^-1, two orders of magnitude slower than 'ice' glaciers. The periglacial model attributes such a slow movement to permafrost creep. A possible consequence of this is that active rock glaciers usually have ages of several thousand years ; that inactive ones were activated repeatedly during the colder periods of the Holocene; and that fossil ones moved during the Late Glacial. In contrast, the glacial model explains that many rock glaciers originated from a debris-covered glacier during the Little Ice Age and have been loosing their ice content and speed rapidly with the 20th-Century warming.
Only a few rock glaciers have been identified from Japanese mountains. Although locations favorable for active rock glaciers are restricted to the northern side of some high mountains, the mountain permafrost belt must have been wide enough to form a number of rock glaciers during some past cold periods. Subsequent permafrost melting would have fossilized these rock glaciers, some of which may have been misinterpreted as glacial moraines or protalus ramparts., 東京地学協会
地学雑誌, Jan. 1998, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Monitoring of periglacial slope processes in the Swiss Alps: The first two years of frost shattering, heave and creep
Norikazu Matsuoka; Kazuomi Hirakawa; Teiji Watanabe; Kiichi Moriwaki, Lead, A synthetic monitoring system was developed in an attempt to evaluate geomorphic processes acting on periglacial rock and debris slopes in the Swiss Alps. The measured parameters include rock joint widening, soil heave and creep, and associated variables. Data loggers provide year-round records of these parameters. Observations for the first two years highlight rock weathering and soil movement caused by frost action. Rock temperature data demonstrate that the southern exposures and north-facing ridges experience multiple diurnal freeze-thaw cycles, while north-facing rockwalls are dominated by the seasonal freeze-thaw action. This contrast may account for the spatial variability in the size of rock debris released from rockwalls. Considerable amounts of joint widening were recorded at the onset of seasonal thawing, when meltwater percolated downward into the frozen bedrock. This observation emphasizes that moisture availability controls to a large degree the magnitude of frost action. Diurnal frost heave and creep prevail on crest debris slopes, while basal debris slopes experience large frost heave during seasonal freezing and thawing. Such a variation in the type of soil movement corresponds to the landform transition from small sorted stripes that predominate on the crest slopes to solifluction lobes on the basal slopes. © 1997 by John Wiley &
Sons, Ltd., John Wiley and Sons Ltd
Permafrost and Periglacial Processes, 1997, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Soil moistrure variability in relation to diurnal frost heaving on Japanese high mountain slopes
Matsuoka; N
Permafrost and Periglacial Processes, Jan. 1996, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Field experiments on physical weathering and wind erosion in an antarctic cold desert
Norikazu Matsuoka; Kiichi Moriwaki; Kazuomi Hirakawa, Field experiments were carried out over a five year period with the aim of understanding contemporary weathering and erosional environments in the Sør Rondane Mountains, an Antarctic cold desert region. These include observations of (1) scaling from rockwalls, (2) disintegration of tuff blocks with or without saline solutions, and (3) abrasion of artificial walls by wind. Monitoring was also made of rock surface temperature and wind speed. Despite frequent temperature oscillations across 0°C, rock scaling due to frost action was generally very slow because of low moisture content in the rockwalls. Exposure to the cold, dry climate led to the rapid disintegration of porous tuff blocks including soluble salts like halite and thenardite. This indicates that rates of weathering are increased greatly with the accumulation of such salts in the bedrock. Although gypsum did not cause any visible damage over four years, its widespread occurrence in heavily damaged rocks demonstrates that increasing gypsum contents may also intensify rock breakdown. The snow-laden katabatic wind resulted in rapid wearing of the windward face of an asbestos board with the peak erosion at 30-40 cm above the ground. Nonetheless, the landforms expected from the unidirectional wind characteristics are by no means common features because of lack of abrasive materials, such as snow and sand particles. These experiments suggest that frost weathering and wind erosion are only locally effective where plenty of moisture or an abrasive material is available, whilst salt weathering and removal of the waste by wind play a major role in constructing erosional landforms over the mountains., John Wiley and Sons Ltd
Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 1996, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕The effect of rock properties on rates of tafoni growth in coastal environments(共著)
Matsukura; Y; Matsuoka; N
Zeitschrift f(]J1168[)r Geomorphologie, Supplement Band, Jan. 1996, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Rock weathering processes and landform development in the Sør Rondane Mountains, Antarctica
Norikazu Matsuoka, Field observations of weathering processes and the related landforms, combined with laboratory analyses of weathering products, permit a synthetic evaluation of Late Cenozoic weathering environments in the Sør Rondane Mountains, Antarctica, an arid upland characterized by low temperatures and strong winds. Rates and character of weathering depend mainly on moisture availability and the bedrock geology. Under the humid weathering regime that occurs only locally around the margin of the present sheet, frequent diurnal freeze-thaw cycles in summer cause relatively rapid rock fragmentation. Most of the mountains are situated in the arid weathering regime, under which rock breakdown is very slow unless the rock contains plenty of salts. Salt weathering becomes more intensive and extensive with exposure age, as a result of salt accumulation in rock, eventually producing soils as small as fine-silt size. Lack of clay mineralization even in weathered rocks having been exposed above the ice sheet prior to 4 Ma ago indicates that hydrolysis or carbonation of rock minerals has been insignificant during the past 4 Ma. The final products of weathering are due mainly to salt action and reflect the parent lithology. Resistant fine-grained granite forms strongly oxidized tors carved with tafoni, or fields of mushroom-like boulders overlying the fractured bedrock. Less resistant rocks, like biotite gneiss and amphibolite, produce stone pavements underlain by saline, silty soils up to 30-40 cm thick, the thickness of which corresponds to the maximum thaw depth. © 1995.
Geomorphology, 1995, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕A laboratory simulation on freezing expansion of a fractured rock : preliminary data
Matsuoka; N, University of Tsukuba
Annual Report of the Institute of Geoscience, the University of Tsukuba, Jan. 1995

〔Major achievements〕Continuous recording of frost heave and creep on a Japanese alpine slope
Matsuoka; N
Arctic and Alpine Research, Jan. 1994, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Diurnal freeze–thaw depth in rockwalls: Field measurements and theoretical considerations
Norikazu Matsuoka, Rock temperatures were monitored for a year at two alpine rockwalls in the Akaishi Range, Japan, where permafrost is absent. Diurnal frost and thaw penetration depths were evaluated from subsurface isotherms drawn on the basis of the temperature records at 0, 10 and 40 cm depths. The surface of the rockwalls experienced more than 100 diurnal freeze‐thaw cycles, most of which accompanied a frost or thaw penetration shallower than 50 cm, and several long duration cycles with deeper frost or thaw penetration. Theoretical frost and thaw depths were also calculated by incorporating the surface freezing indices into the modified Berggren equation, the results from which were then compared with the actual values. The modified Berggren equation provided values that showed a strong correlation with observed depths, despite somewhat underestimating the actual values. Using the modified Berggren equation, the seasonal frost depth in the observed winter was estimated to be about 4·5 m. The frost and thaw depths are considered to give the maximum estimation of the depth to which frost‐induced cracking can propagate in the bedrock. Copyright © 1994 John Wiley &
Sons, Ltd
Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 1994, [Reviewed]

Monitoring system for some periglacial processes
Matsuoka; N
Annual Report of the Institute of Geoscience, the University of Tsukuba, Jan. 1993

〔Major achievements〕Critical polygon size for ice-wedge formation in Svalbard and Antarctica (共著)
Matsuoka; N; Hirakawa; K
Proceedings of the Sixth International Conference on Permafrost, Jan. 1993, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Mechanisms of frost action and related periglacial landforms
MATSUOKA; N, Recent studies oh periglacial processes and environments are reviewed on the basis of the mechanisms of frost action in rocks and soils. Frost action modifies the landform when the ground thaws after having been subject to frost heave or shattering. Freezing expansion, the cause of frost heave or shattering, begins just after the surface temperature has fallen below 0°C, proceeds rapidly with cooling until-2 or-3°C, and eventually attains a peak value usually at-5 to-7°C. This indicates that frost heave or shattering occurs just above the descending freezing front, and that lower temperature (e.g. less than-10°C) does not increase the power of frost action. Frozen soils are deformed as a result of frost creep, solifluction or active layer glide; the type of process is dependent on their grain size and moisture condition.
Diurnal and annual freeze-thaw cycles have different effects on periglacial landforms depending on their frequency and penetration depths. Diurnal freeze-thaw penetrates no more than 20 cm in soils and 50 cm in rocks, thus causing shallow soil movement of usually less than 10 cm and producing small debris less than 20 cm in diameter. Such shallow ground activities are believed to be predominant in most mid-latitude alpine environments where diurnal cycles occur frequently. The annual cycle controls the maximum depth of soil movement and the maximum size of fallen debris, which rarely exceed 200 cm and 500 cm, respectively, in Japanese alpine environments, as indicated by the records of ground temper.ature and theoretical considerations.
Recent laboratory and theoretical works, combined with field measurements, have enabled us to construct quantitative models of frost action as a function of environmental and geological factors. For example, the rate of bedrock frost shattering was expressed as a function of freeze-thaw frequency, degree of saturation and tensile strength by a simple model which agreed well with field data from several periglacial environments.
There are many problems to be solved on frost action environments. The most important ones are the influence of permafrost on frost action, the origin of block slopes and the sensitivity of frost action to climatic change. Permafrost may intensify frost action in overlying active layers: by acting as an impermeable layer, by producing cryostatic pressure, or by causing the two-sided freezing. Field measurement data, however, do not necessarily indicate high magnitudes of frost action in permafrost regions. The influence of climatic change on frost action cannot be discussed unless this problem is solved. Block fields and slopes, usually regarded as periglacial landforms, have not yet been explained in terms of the mechanisms of frost action. We should carefully evaluate each factor controlling frost action to solve these problems., 日本地理学会 古今書院(発売)
Geographical review of Japan. Ser.A, Feb. 1992, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Frost heave and creep in the sor Rondane Mountains, Antarctica (共著)
Matsuoka; N; Moriwaki; K, Lead
Arctic and Apline Research, Jan. 1992, [Reviewed]

Report on the geomorphological, geological, geodetic, and glaciological fieldwork in the Sor Rondane Mountains, 1990/91 summer (JARE-32) (in Japanese)
Iwata; Shuji; Shiraishi; Kazuyuki; Ebina; Yoritoshi; Matsuoka; Norikazu; Toyoshima; Tsuyoshi; Owada; Masaaki; Hasegawa; Hirohiko; Decleir; Hugo; Pattyn; Frank, The Sor Rondane field party as part of the summer party of the 32nd Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE-32) carried out geomorphological, geological, geodetic, and glaciological fieldworks in the central area of the Sor Rondane Mountains for 45 days from December 24,1990 to February 7,1991. The field trip was conducted by two parties, consisting of 9 persons, traveling from mountains to mountains to shift tented camps using 4 snow vehicles towing their equipments on sledges behind. Nine snowmobiles (motor toboggans) were used for their field researches on glaciers. Geomorphologists carried out measurements in the periglacial field experimental sites, observations of rock weathering, and mapping of chronological sequence of tills and moraines. Geologists studied chronological sequence of rock formation and collected rock specimens for structural, petrological, and chemical analyses. A surveyor set up geodetic control stations using GPS satellite positioning system and made gravity surveys on glaciers as well as at some control stations. Two Belgian glaciologists took part in the fieldwork as exchange scientists and studied dynamics of glacier movement and ice thickness., National Institute of Polar Research
Antarctic record, Nov. 1991

〔Major achievements〕Prediction of maximum freeze and thaw depths in grounds, using mean annual air temperature
MATSUOKA; N, A method is described for the prediction of maximum freeze/thaw penetration depth in snow-and vegetation-free ground as a function of the mean annual air temperature. Annual variation in ground surface temperature was fitted by a sinusoidal curve with the amplitude, T_os. The meteorological data show that the value of T_os ranges from 11° to 16°C in Japan. Three sinusoidal curves with the T_os values of 11°, 13° and 15°C were used for the calculation of the freeze/thaw depth. The Aldrich equation allowed the calculation to be made. The freezing and thawing indices involved in this equation were determined for every degree of the mean annual ground surface temperature. The maximum freeze/thaw depth was calculated for four kinds of ground materials, i.e., volcanic ash, sand/silt, gravel and rock, and then plotted against the mean annual surface temperature. The diagram indicates that the freeze/thaw depth increases as mean annual surface temperature approaches 0°C and with rising both thermal conductivity and volumetric water content of the ground material.
The relationship between the mean annual air temperature and the maximum freeze/thaw depth was obtained using the empirical relation between the mean ground surface and air temperatures. The predicted depths agreed fairly well with the measured depths in various cold environments where the mean annual air temperature is known., 日本地理学会 古今書院(発売)
Geographical review of Japan. Ser.A, May 1991, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕A model of the rate of frost shattering: Application to field data from Japan, Svalbard and Antarctica
Norikazu Matsuoka
Permafrost and Periglacial Processes, 1991, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Ground temperature regimes and their relation to periglacial processes in the Sφr Rondane Mountains, East Antarctica (共著)　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
Matsuoka; N; Moriwaki; K; Iwata; S; Hirakawa; K
Proceedings of the NIPR Symposium on Antarctic Geosciences, Jan. 1990, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Mechanisms of rock breakdown by frost action: An experimental approach
Norikazu Matsuoka, Freezing behavior and frost shattering of rocks were studied in the laboratory. Rates of frost shattering were determined for 47 different samples of saturated rocks partially immersed in water by a decreasing rate of the longitudinal wave velocity during freeze-thaw cycles. The ratio of surface area per unit volume to tensile strength gives a good estimation of the frost shattering rate. This indicates that water migration caused by adsorptive suction participates in the frost shattering, as well as the 9% volumetric expansion. Frost shattering occurred in porous rocks despite the lower saturation level than the theoretical value derived from the volumetric expansion theory. Furthermore, the open system was much more effective in frost shattering than the closed system was. Such moisture effects also demonstrate the large role of water migration in frost shattering. The linear strain of some saturated rocks during a freeze-thaw cycle was measured with foil strain gauges. Immersion in water increased the freezing expansion of tuffs, although it affected the strain of a shale and an andesite only little. Low cooling rates resulted in small freezing expansion of rocks placed under the closed system because of creep of pore ice. These results suggest that the freezing expansion of a rock consists of three components: two positive strains due to the 9% volumetric expansion of water, and water migration controlled by adsorptive suction, and a negative strain due to creep of ice. The frost shattering of the tuffs would be primarily controlled by the water migration, and that of the shale and andesite is probably caused by the volumetric expansion. The relative contribution of the two processes on frost shattering may depend on the surface area per unit volume of the rocks. © 1990 Elsevier Science Publishers B.V. All rights reserved.
Cold Regions Science and Technology, 1990, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕The rate of bedrock weathering by frost action: Field measurements and a predictive model
Norikazu Matsuoka, Shattering rate, surface temperature, moisture content, and the physical and strength properties of bedrock were measured in four rockwall sites of the Japanese Alps. Five‐year observations revealed that the bedrock shattering rate was usually much higher in the freeze‐thaw period from October to next May than in the frost‐free period from June to September. This indicates that frost action is the most important shattering process, although unusual heavy rainstorms in summer are also responsible for the shattering. A combination of some empirical relationships derived from recent laboratory experiments leads to a predictive model of the frost shattering rate. This model shows that the annual shattering rate is dependent on the annual freeze‐thaw frequency on the rock surface, and the degree of saturation and tensile strength of the rock masses. The coefficients involved in the model were determined using the field data. Copyright © 1990 John Wiley &
Sons, Ltd
Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 1990, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Diurnal forst-heave activity in the Sφr-Rondane Mountains, Antarctica (共著)
Matsuoka; N; Moriwaki; K; Hirakawa; K
Arctic and Alpine Research, Jan. 1988, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Laboratory experiments on frost shattering of rocks
Matsuoka; N, University of Tsukuba
Science Report of the Institute of Geoscience, University of Tsukuba, Sect. A, Jan. 1988, [Reviewed]

Report on the geological, geomorphological and geodetic field party in the Sor Rondane Mountains, 1987(JARE-28) (in Japanese)
Hirakawa; Kazuomi; Matsuoka; Norikazu; Takahashi; Yuhei; Sakiyama; Toru; Osanai; Yasuhiro; Tanaka; Kosei, The 28th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE-28) carried out the geologic, geomorphological and geodetic field work in the central part of the Sor Rondane Mountains for 35 days from January 7 to February 10,1987. The field work was done in detail within the surveyed area of JARE-26 and -27. Thanks to mobility of snowmobiles and good weather, almost all the expected investigations were conducted. In this report, the operation including logistics and the information on weather in the Mountains are mainly described, with a brief description of the geologic, geomorphological and geodetic field work. Two Belgian geomorphologists took part in this field work as exchange scientists and dealt with their own glaciological research project., National Institute of Polar Research
Antarctic record, Nov. 1987

〔Major achievements〕ひずみゲージによる多孔質凝灰岩の凍結ひずみの測定
松岡憲知
地形, Jan. 1987, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕フロストクリープによる斜面物質の移動に関する実験
Horii; Touru; Matsuoka; Norikazu; Matsukura; Yukinori, University of Tsukuba
Bulletin of Environmental Research Center, the University of Tsukuba, Jan. 1987

Report on the geological, geomorphological and geodetic field party in the Sor Rondane Mountains, 1986 (JARE-27) (in Japanese)
Moriwaki; Kiichi; Kojima; Hideyasu; Ishizuka; Hideo; Matsuoka; Norikazu; Kometani; Takeji; Shiga; Shigeo; Morita; Tomoya; Kuriki; Shigeo, The 27th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE-27) carried out the geological, geomorphological and geodetic field work in the central part of the Sφr Rondane Mountains for 33 days from January 5 to February 6,1986. The field work was conducted by two parties with four persons each in order to investigate the vast area. They carried out expected investigations on spite of meeting with many crevasses. They used four snow vehicles and six snowmobiles. The snowmobiles were very useful to the field work in the area. This report gives detailed of operation including logistics, a summary of the field work, and information on the weather and the surface condition of snow and ice observed in this period., National Institute of Polar Research
Antarctic record, Nov. 1986

〔Major achievements〕Effects of rock properties on frost shattering rate
松岡憲知
Transactions, Japanese Geomorphological Union, Jan. 1986, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Rock control on the distribution of linear depressions on the main divide of Akaishi Range, Southern Japanese Alps
松岡憲知
Geographical Review of Japan, Jan. 1985, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕多孔質岩石の凍結破砕における水分条件の影響
松岡憲知
地形, Jan. 1984, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Frost shattering of bedrocks in the periglacial regions of the Nepal Himalaya
MATSUOKA; Norikazu, The intensity of frost shattering which acts on the bedrocks in the periglacial regions of the Nepal Himalaya was estimated from the meteorological records at Lhajung (4420 m in altitude), Khumbu region, eastern Nepal. Air temperature records showed that more than 150 cycles of freeze-thaw within a year occurred in the periglacial zone above 4000 m in altitude. As these freeze-thaw cycles mainly occur in the monsoon season, bedrockes exposed at around 5000-5500 m in altitude maintain the high water-content required for frost shattering. Intensive frost shattering was due to high frequency of freeze-thaw cycles and abundant moisture, thus depositing a large quantity of debris onto the surfaces of debris-covered glaciers in the Nepal Himalaya., The Japanese Society of Snow and Ice
Journal of the Japanese Society of Snow and Ice, Jan. 1984, [Reviewed]

〔Major achievements〕Pore-water pressure profile in freezing porous rocks
Fukuda; Masami; Matsuoka; Tomokazu, Hokkaido University
Low temperature science. Ser. A, Physical sciences, Mar. 1983

〔Major achievements〕東ネパール・ヤルン氷河の氷食岩面にみられる微起伏について
松岡憲知, The Japanese Society of Snow and Ice
雪氷, Jan. 1982, [Reviewed]

Investigating a Sea Arch (Megane Cave) Formed at Mado-Shima Island, San'in Coast
Norikazu Matsuoka; Takuro Ogura
Journal of Geography (Chigaku Zasshi), 25 Feb. 2023

マラソンコースを地形学で読み解く　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
松岡憲知
月刊地理, Aug. 2020, [Invited]

Introduction to the Special Issue "Rock Weathering from Nanoscale to Global Scale: 1. Microscopic Weathering and Basic Studies"
MATSUOKA Norikazu; OGUCHI Chiaki T; FUKUSHI Keisuke; MATSUSHI Yuki; YOKOYAMA Tadashi
J. Geogr., 2017

Introduction to the Special Issue "Rock Weathering from Nanoscale to Global Scale: 2. Macroscopic Weathering and Applied Studies"
MATSUOKA Norikazu; OGUCHI Chiaki T; FUKUSHI Keisuke; MATSUSHI Yuki; YOKOYAMA Tadashi
J. Geogr., 2017

Introduction to “Changing Natural Environments in the Japanese Alps Region”
MATSUOKA Norikazu; SUZUKI Keisuke; OHTSUKA Toshiyuki; UENO Kenichi; KUMON Fujio; SUGAI Toshihiko; SHIKAZONO Naotatsu
Journal of Geography (Chigaku Zasshi), 2013

O9. Monitoring frost creep dynamics in the southern Japanese Alps(Abstracts of Paper Presented at Fall Meeting of the Union, September 2011)
MATSUOKA Norikazu
地形, 2012

P10. Postglacial modification of glacial valley morphology in the Swiss Alps(Abstracts of Papers Presented at the Spring Meeting of the Union, May 2005)
ABE Masahiro; WAKASA Sachi; MATSUZAKI Hiroyuki; MATSUOKA Norikazu
地形, 2005

第1回ヨーロッパ永久凍土会議 (イタリア・ローマ) に参加して
松岡 憲知; 曽根 敏雄; 石川 守; 澤田 結基; 福井 幸太郎; 池田 敦
地形 = Transactions, Japanese Geomorphological Union, 25 Apr. 2001

Measurements and experiments on Geomorphic processes in Antarctic ice-free mountains: A review
Norikazu Matsuoka
南極資料 = Antarctic Record, Jul. 1996

The Periglaciation of Great Britain/Colin K.Ballantyne and Charles Harris(1994)
松岡 憲知
Geographical review of Japan. Ser.A, Sep. 1995

WEATHERING STAGE OF TILL AND GLACIAL HISTORY OF THE CENTRAL SOR RONDANE MOUNTAINS, EAST ANTARCTICA
MORIWAKI Kiichi; HIRAKAWA Kazuomi; MATSUOKA Norikazu
Proceedings of the NIPR Symposium on Antarctic Geosciences, Sep. 1991

A preliminary study on tafoni and honeycombs in Nojimazaki, Boso Peninsula, Japan
Matsukura Yukinori; Matsuoka Norikazu; Yano Noriko
Annual report of the Institute of Geoscience, the University of Tsukuba, 1989

RECONSTRUCTION OF MAXIMUM GLACIAL EXTENT IN THE CENTRAL S∅R RONDANE MOUNTAINS, EAST ANTARCTICA
HIRAKAWA Kazuomi; MATSUOKA Norikazu; MORIWAKI Kiichi
Proceedings of the NIPR Symposium on Antarctic Geosciences, Sep. 1988

〔Major achievements〕Mountain science
松岡, 憲知; 泉山, 茂之; 楢本, 正明; 松本, 潔, Editor
古今書院, Sep. 2020
9784772242172

〔Major achievements〕Dictionary of Landforms　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
Norikazu Matsuoka, Contributor
Asakura Publishing, Feb. 2017
9784254160635

Field guide for excursions, EUCOP III Svalbard, Norway 13-18 June 2010　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
Christiansen; HH; Matsuoka; N; Watanabe; T, Contributor
Geological Survey of Norway, Jun. 2010

北極圏の周氷河環境を探る　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
松岡憲知, Single work
極地 86, Jan. 2008

〔Major achievements〕Geoenvironmental Science　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
Matsuoka N, Editor
Kokon-shoin, Apr. 2007
9784772252034

Dilation of building materials submitted to frost action　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
Thomachot; CE; Matsuoka; N, Joint work
Building Stone Decay: From Diagnosis to Conservation, Geological Society of London, Jan. 2007, [Reviewed]
9781862392182

〔Major achievements〕Solifluction (Encycropedia of Geomorphology 2)　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
Matsuoka; N, Contributor
Goudie, A.S. (ed.) Encycropedia of Geomorphology 2, Routledge, Jan. 2004, [Reviewed]
9780415863001

〔Major achievements〕スイスの山と日本の山 ーＵとＶが生み出す自然環境・人間生活 ・ ツーリズムの特色を比較するー　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
松岡憲知
放送大学ライブラリー講演会, 22 Mar. 2025, [Invited]

〔Major achievements〕Distribution, morphology and processes of sorted patterned ground
Norikazu Matsuoka
The General Meeting of the Association of Japanese Geographers Spring 2025, 20 Mar. 2025

Differential frost heave producing sorted patterned ground in the Southern Japanese Alps: A decade of monitoring
Norikazu Mastuoka
永久凍土に関連した分野横断研究に関する研究集会, 20 Feb. 2025

〔Major achievements〕歩いて走って考える地形学－スイスアルプスバーチャル巡検＋マラソンコースを地形学で読み解く－　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
松岡憲知
日本地形学連合（JGU）地形の学校2024, [Invited]
20240928, 20240929

〔Major achievements〕How do permafrost landforms in Svalbard respond to global warming?　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
Norikazu Matsuoka; Tatsuya Watanabe; Hanne H. Christiansen
12th International Conference on Permafrost, 19 Jun. 2024

〔Major achievements〕温暖化でスバルバールの周氷河景観はどう変わる？
松岡憲知; 渡邊達也
日本地理学会2024年春季学術大会, 20 Mar. 2024

〔Major achievements〕How large and how fast can needle ice transport stones downslope? Lessons from two-decade observations in the Japanese Alps
Norikazu Matsuoka
6th European Conference on Permafrost, 20 Jun. 2023

〔Major achievements〕Stone size and velocity transported by needle ice activity
Norikazu Matsuoka
The General Meeting of the AJG Spring 2023, 25 Mar. 2023
20230325, 20230326

Periglacial landforms as climatic indicators: What do sorted patterns tell us?
Norikazu Matsuoka
CryoKarst kick-off meeting, 23 Jan. 2023, [Invited]
20230123

〔Major achievements〕南アルプスでジオトレイル　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
松岡憲知
山梨大学地域貢献公開シンポジウム,「やまなしの森の活かし方」, 12 Dec. 2021, 山梨大学人材養成センター, [Invited]
20221212

〔Major achievements〕Types and genesis of coastal caves　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
松岡憲知・篠原叶実・伊藤敦哉・牛込佳太・小倉拓郎・小玉芳敬・金山恭子
日本地形学連合2022年秋季大会, 06 Nov. 2022, 日本地形学連合
20221105, 20221106

岩石海岸の海食凹地形におけるロックコントロール　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
篠原; 叶実; 松岡; 憲知
日本地形学連合2020年秋季大会, 29 Nov. 2020

〔Major achievements〕Decadal dynamics of permafrost landforms in Svalbard　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
Matsuoka; Norikazu
Sixth International Symposium on Arctic Research, 18 Mar. 2020, Japan Consortium for Arctic Environmental Research

〔Major achievements〕Differential frost heave on incipient sorted patterns in the Japanese Alps: a multi-method monitoring　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
Matsuoka; Norikazu
First Southern Hemisphere Conference on Permafrost, 04 Dec. 2019

〔Major achievements〕Decadal-scale variability of polar rock glacier dynamics: Accelerating due to warming?　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
Matsuoka; Norikazu; Watanabe; Tatsuya; Ikeda; Atsushi; Christiansen; Hanne H; Humlum; Ole; Rouyet; Line
First Southern Hemisphere Conference on Permafrost, 04 Dec. 2019

スピッツベルゲンの岩石氷河の運動にみる年々変動と長期傾向　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
松岡; 憲知
永久凍土の変動とそのモニタリングに関する研究集会, 18 Nov. 2019

〔Major achievements〕氷楔形成縁辺域における氷楔破壊発生の年々変動－スバルバールでの12年間の観測総括－　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
松岡; 憲知; 渡邊達也; Hanne; H. Christiansen
日本地球惑星科学連合2018年度連合大会, 23 May 2018, 日本地球惑星科学連合

南アルプスの小型構造土での差別凍上観測（2013～2017）　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
松岡; 憲知
永久凍土の変動とそのモニタリングに関する研究集会, 08 Mar. 2018, 国立極地研究所

Mountain Science Frontiers: Planning International and Interdisciplinary Studies　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
Matsuoka; Norikazu
International Symposium on Mountain Sciences 2017, 15 Nov. 2017, 筑波大学山岳科学センター

〔Major achievements〕A multi-method approach to detecting bedrock fracturing and rockfall activity in the Southern Japanese Alps　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
Matsuoka; Norikazu
The Fourth Slope Tectonics Conference, 14 Oct. 2017

〔Major achievements〕From needle ice to deep permafrost: Classifying periglacial environments based on prevailing frost action　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
Matsuoka; Norikazu
2nd Asian Conference on Permafrost, 02 Jul. 2017, International Permafrost Association, [Invited]

〔Major achievements〕Multi-method monitoring of ice wedge dynamics in central Spitsbergen (2005-2016)　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
Matsuoka; Norikazu; Christiansen; Hanne H; Watanabe; Tatsuya
2nd Asian Conference on Permafrost, 02 Jul. 2017, International Permafrost Association

山と自然－山岳科学から持続可能な日本を創生する－　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
松岡憲知; 津田吉晃
第2回全国「山の日」フォーラム, 14 May 2017

山岳科学の創出－山岳地域の諸問題を分野横断で俯瞰する－　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
松岡憲知; 渡辺悌二; 横山 智
日本地理学会2007年春季学術大会, 29 Mar. 2017

スピッツベルゲンにおける永久凍土動態観測10年（2）極地型岩石氷河の運動　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
松岡憲知; 渡邊達也; 池田 敦; Hanne; H. Christiansen
永久凍土の変動とそのモニタリングに関する研究集会, 16 Jan. 2017

スピッツベルゲンにおける永久凍土動態観測10年（1）アイスウェッジの破壊　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
松岡憲知; Hanne; H. Christiansen; 渡邊達也
低温研共同研究集会「永久凍土の動態解明のための多角的アプローチ」, 21 Nov. 2016

〔Major achievements〕A multi-method approach to detecting high-mountain rockfall activity　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
Matsuoka; Norikazu
11th International Conference on Permafrost, 19 Jun. 2016, International Association on Permafrost

〔Major achievements〕Slow, but steady movement of an Arctic rock glacier: 10 years of movements and thermal conditions　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
松岡; 憲知
11th International Conference on Permafrost, 19 Jun. 2016, International Association on Permafrost

〔Major achievements〕南アルプスにおける落石の発生時期・規模・原因－多様な手法による分析－　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
松岡; 憲知
日本地球惑星科学連合2016年度連合大会, 24 May 2016

〔Major achievements〕Interannual variability of ice wedge dynamics in Adventdalen, central Spitsbergen　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
Matsuoka; Norikazu; Christiansen; Hanne; H; Watanabe; Tatsuya
Fourth Europeanl Conference on Permafrost, 21 Jun. 2014

〔Major achievements〕From kinematics to dynamics: significance of field and laboratory approaches to understand periglacial mass movements　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
Matsuoka; Norikazu
Fourth European Conference on Permafrost, 20 Jun. 2014, [Invited]

〔Major achievements〕南アルプス高山域における岩盤破砕・土砂移動の観測　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
松岡; 憲知; 西井; 稜子; 池田; 敦
日本地球惑星科学連合2012年大会, 20 May 2012

Apr. 2021 - Present
茨城大学

Apr. 2021 - Present
茨城大学

Apr. 2021 - Present
茨城大学

Apr. 2022 - Mar. 2023
茨城大学

Apr. 2017 - Mar. 2021
筑波大学

Apr. 2017 - Mar. 2021
筑波大学

Apr. 2012 - Mar. 2021
筑波大学

Apr. 2007 - Mar. 2021
筑波大学

Apr. 2007 - Mar. 2021
筑波大学

Apr. 2003 - Mar. 2021
筑波大学

Apr. 1990 - Mar. 2021
筑波大学

Apr. 1989 - Mar. 2021
筑波大学

Apr. 1988 - Mar. 2021
筑波大学

Apr. 1995 - Mar. 2007
筑波大学

Permafrost and Periglacial Environments　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
Mar. 2003 - Apr. 2003
The University Centre in Svalbard

JAPAN GEOSCIENCE UNION

TOKYO GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY

JAPANESE GEOMORPHOLOGICAL UNION

THE ASSOCIATION JAPANESE GEOGRAPHERS

International Geographical Union

European Geosciences Union (EGU)

International Permafrost Association