TUM in the media: How climate change affects rock stability in the Alps

Prof. Michael Krautblatter, Professor for Landslide Research at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), talks to DAV Magazine Panorama about current developments in alpine geohazards. For many years, he has been researching geological changes in high mountains, particularly slope stability in permafrost and the causes of rockfalls.

Two people with helmets look at a tunnel on the summit of the Zugspitze. — Measurements in the Zugspitze comb tunnel: Prof. Krautblatter and his team have been regularly monitoring changes in the permafrost since 2007. Image: Andreas Heddergott / TUM

How do rising temperatures change the stability of rock faces in high mountains? What risks arise for trails, huts, and alpine infrastructure? And how can dangers be better predicted in the future?

In this interview, he explains why early warning systems are becoming increasingly important, how rock properties are changing due to climate change, and what measures can help to identify danger hotspots at an early stage and better assess risks.

The full interview is available in DAV magazine Panorama:
Geological risks and steep learning curves (Interview: Prof. Dr. Michael Krautblatter)

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