Abstract
This paper outlines the objectives of the first stage of a PhD research. Therein, the information stored in a GIS-based inventory of rock glaciers will be related to permafrost-favoring environmental factors using multiple variable statistical procedures. The present inventory contains valuable information on the location, activity state (active/inactive/fossil), origin (talus/till-derived), shape (tongue/lobate-shaped) and size of rock glaciers in South Tyrol (Italy). The main aim is to gain insights into the influence of potential controlling factors, like topography, lithology, mean annual air temperature, perennial snowfields, avalanche debris, on rock glacier distribution, formation and status . The study will be conducted for the entire region of South Tyrol.