Geophysical Characterization of Unstable Permafrost in the Turtmann Valley, Switzerland

摘要

Permafrost in high alpine regions is highly susceptible to changes of the air temperature. Rising mean annual temperatures due to global warming in combination with increased rainfall can lead to permafrost degradation and may act as trigger for rock falls, landslides and other ground instabilities, which threaten infrastructure and human life [e.g. Crosta et al. 2004]. To assess the associated dangers and to understand the underlying thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) processes a detailed geophysical, geotechnical and hydrological characterization of a permafrost soil is needed. Based on this characterization, THM models can be developed to predict general permafrost behavior under changing environmental conditions. An interdisciplinary project has been set up to tackle these problems. Here, we present preliminary findings.