Climate change and permafrost

The permafrost in the Alps is warming rapidly, at a rate of about one degree per decade, as detailed in an article by our client, the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, SLF. This change has a direct impact on people and the economy. In high alpine regions with permafrost, there is an increased risk of rockslides and avalanches, which pose a threat to mountain enthusiasts, settlements and infrastructure such as mountain railways, masts, restaurants and more.

Over the past 27 years, researchers at the Institute have collected extensive data from 30 boreholes throughout the Swiss Alps. This data clearly shows a long-term trend of rising permafrost temperatures approaching the zero degree mark.

The observed changes in permafrost serve as another alarm signal of climate change, requiring heightened attention and action. Sensors such as our DL-TP | Temperature Profile for LoRaWAN can be effectively used to measure permafrost.

Read full article