WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF

Permafrost

Permanently frozen ground (so called permafrost) is widespread in the Alps above around 2500 m asl . Climate change can influence permafrost occurrence in several ways. The study of slope stability in ice-bearing permafrost features (e.g. rock glaciers, moraines) and of debris flows and rockfall in permafrost areas is becoming increasingly relevant due to the growing use of mountain areas for human activities. We investigate the interactions between permafrost, mountain infrastructure and the snow cover.

Permafrost is one of the main topics of the CERC research centre.

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