Changing water and energy conditions in the Alps

Project promoter:

DFG  (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft)

Part of the Research Training Group NatRiskChange

Duration:

2021 - 2024

Project description:

High mountain areas are warming more rapidly than the global rate driving drastic changes like permafrost degradation and de-glaciation. These changes have the potential to alter the magnitude and frequency of natural hazards, catchment hydrology and sediment dynamics. The aim of the project is to develop the understanding of how changing water and energy conditions are affecting water and sediment pulses in Alpine areas, focusing on the Öztal Alps.

Objectives include:

• assessment of changes in temperature, ground thermal regimes and freeze-thaw cycles
• characterisation and identification of sediment-discharge events and relationships
• assessment of the relevance of changing conditions for sediment-discharge dynamic of the catchment