Swiss scientists warn that climate change can also alter the alpine landscape, DPA reported.
The Swiss-led team looked at 335 studies and evaluated almost a third of them.
The results, published in Earth-Science Reviews, show a mixed picture, BTA reported.
Experts have studied rockfalls, landslides, debris, ice and snow avalanches. They were able to draw only one clear conclusion: rockfalls increased at high altitudes in the Alps.
The reasons for this are the retreat of the glaciers and the thawing of the permafrost in the high mountain regions. Moisture in the soil affects stones and stone blocks, DPA notes.
Scientists are of the opinion that it is difficult to draw definitive conclusions about the increase in the frequency of rockfalls and other similar phenomena, “there are many reasons to suppose that landslides are happening more often today,” says Samuel Weber of the Institute for snow and avalanche research in Davos.
A mudslide occurs when rocks, debris and soil slide down a steep slope as a result of heavy rain. According to the report, only half of the studies reviewed show that there are more mudslides than before, DPA noted.
However, there are signs that more mudslides are occurring above the tree line and in previously unaffected areas.
Studies show that the lack of snow means there are fewer avalanches at low altitudes, but slightly more higher up in the mountains.
Climate change is clearly visible in the Alps, where air temperatures rose by 0.3 to 0.4 degrees Celsius every decade from 1968 to 2017, DPA noted.
The amount of snow has decreased by up to 15 percent, and Swiss glaciers have lost about 43 percent of their ice volume since the 1980s. Another 10 percent of losses are expected to be reported in the data for 2022 and 2023, DPA notes.
Title: Interview on Alpine Landscapes and Climate Change
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we explore the most pressing issues of our time. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Elena Fischer, a leading expert in climate change impacts on mountain ecosystems. Dr. Fischer, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Elena Fischer: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here and discuss this critical issue.
Editor: The recent study you contributed to, published in Earth-Science Reviews, has shed light on the effects of climate change in the Alpine region. Can you summarize the core findings for our readers?
Dr. Fischer: Absolutely. Our Swiss-led research team reviewed 335 studies focusing on the effects of climate change in the Alps. We evaluated nearly a third of them, and while the overall picture is quite mixed, one clear conclusion emerged: there is a marked increase in rockfalls at high altitudes.
Editor: That’s quite alarming. What are the underlying factors contributing to this rise in rockfalls?
Dr. Fischer: The primary drivers are the retreat of glaciers and the thawing of permafrost in these high mountain areas. As temperatures rise, glaciers melt, which can destabilize the rock formations that were previously supported by the ice. Similarly, thawing permafrost destabilizes slopes and increases the likelihood of rockfalls and landslides.
Editor: It sounds like a chain reaction initiated by warming temperatures. What implications do these changes have for ecosystems and communities in the region?
Dr. Fischer: The ecological impact is significant. An increase in rockfalls can disrupt wildlife habitats and lead to potential hazards for human activities, particularly in areas reliant on tourism. Additionally, more frequent landslides and avalanches pose risks to local communities and infrastructure.
Editor: Could you explain how this phenomenon might also affect local weather patterns or climate in the Alpine region?
Dr. Fischer: As alpine ecosystems change, they can indeed influence local weather systems. For instance, the loss of glaciers may impact regional hydrology, affecting water supply downstream. It can also alter local temperature and precipitation patterns, which impacts biodiversity and agricultural practices in the valleys below.
Editor: It seems there’s a significant interplay between climate change and geological activities in the region. What would you recommend to mitigate these effects?
Dr. Fischer: We need a multi-faceted approach. First, enhancing monitoring programs for these geological hazards is crucial. Second, implementing sustainable land-use practices can help minimize human-induced risks. Lastly, broader climate action to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions is essential to slow down these changes.
Editor: Global issues need global solutions, indeed. As our conversation comes to a close, what do you hope the general public takes away from your findings?
Dr. Fischer: I hope people recognize the urgency of climate change, not just in terms of temperature rise but also through its tangible effects on our landscapes, ecosystems, and communities. Awareness can drive action, and we must advocate for both local and international measures to protect our planet.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Fischer, for your insights on this pressing issue. It’s clear that understanding the implications of climate change on our alpine regions is critical for all of us.
Dr. Fischer: Thank you for shedding light on this important topic. The conversation must continue.
Editor: And thank you to our readers for tuning in. Stay informed and inspired to take action against climate change. Until next time!