Application of the Schmidt hammer in the relative-age dating of rockfall deposits in the Belvedere Glacier Valley

The Schmidt hammer is a cost-effective tool for both relative- and absolute-age dating of rocks (the latter in connection with previously absolutely dated surfaces). Its application in high-mountain environments is particularly favoured due to the abundance of dating material and the small size of the dating tool compared to other options. The use of the Schmidt hammer on rock types with macroscopic crystals is not recommended due to the varying weathering rates of different minerals. However, in harsh alpine conditions, there is often no other choice. We applied the Schmidt hammer in the relative dating of boulders in the Belvedere Glacier valley (Italian Alps) with orthogneiss and paragneiss being the dominant rock types (both consisting of macroscopic minerals). For the first time in the Schmidt hammer-related studies, we prepared a chart for the objective inclination correction of the data. The correction for aspect was also performed. The results suggest the successful applicability of the Schmidt hammer even under the unfavourable circumstances.

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