Permafrost temperatures in Swiss Alps reach record highs
The warming trend observed in permafrost over the last two decades continued in 2019-2020, the warmest hydrological year on record in Switzerland, the monitoring network PERMOS said on Thursday.
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch/gw
Español
es
Niveles récord de temperaturas del permafrost en los Alpes
Scientists have now observed an increase in permafrost temperatures over the past 20 years at all sites where PERMOS has been measuring, the network said in a press release.
In 2019-2020 air temperatures were up to 1°C higher than average during the winter. This, combined with a very warm spring, two summer heat waves, and the early arrival of snow at high altitudes in November 2019, resulted in warm permafrost conditions across the country. The early onset of snow cover was a factor because it insulated the subsurface from cold winter weather conditions.
Ground temperatures measured near the surface in September 2020 were in some cases also at record highs, resulting in a thicker active layer – the uppermost part of the ground above the permafrost, which thaws in summer. The active layer on the Schilthorn mountain in canton Bern, for example, has more than doubled in thickness since measurements began in 1998.
Record-high permafrost temperatures were also seen at depth in several locations.
Permafrost is the term used to describe permanently frozen ground material. In Switzerland, it is found under about 5% of the country’s surface, typically under shady scree slopes and rock faces above an altitude of 2,500 metres.
Established in 2000, the Swiss Permafrost Monitoring Network PERMOS documents changes in permafrost conditions in the Swiss Alps and draws on the expertise of six research institutes and universities in the country.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
This content was published on
The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
This content was published on
The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
This content was published on
In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
This content was published on
As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
This content was published on
After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Loss of permafrost – a global cause for concern
This content was published on
The thawing of terrain that used to be permanently frozen is becoming more and more prevalent, and it has planet-wide repercussions.
This content was published on
Switzerland has moved up two places in an annual league table that ranks countries by efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
This content was published on
Permafrost in Switzerland has warmed up, numerous signs of degradation have been observed and most rock glaciers have become much faster.
This content was published on
The temperature of permafrost has risen in the last ten years across the world, says a new international study with Swiss participation.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.