The integral Swiss crypospheric-observation-network especially focuses on the following sections:
The commission is responsible for the documentation and the scientific processing of the collected data which has been ascertained by the monitoring networks. Alongside with providing reliable data for science it also supplies processed data for politics, the economy and the public. The ascertained data is of great significance in order to ensure an early diagnosis of possible changes in the alpine regions.
Events, News, Publications
Swiss Glaciers
The Swiss Alps are characterised by glaciers. Their retreat influences the landscape and tourism, harbours natural hazards, lowers the volume of water available in summer and even has an impact on the ocean. The extent to which the Alpine glaciers are retreating and whether they will eventually disappear depends on climate change and, consequently, global climate protection. The factsheet outlines the level of knowledge concerning glacial melting and its impact on society and, additionally, illustrates available options and courses of action.
Preserving glaciers at over 3,000 metres through climate protection
Strengthened climate protection on a global level could preserve more than a quarter of the ice existing today in the Swiss Alps. Researchers have written about this in a new fact sheet from the Swiss Academy of Sciences that outlines the current level of knowledge concerning glacial melting in the Alps, the diverse effects of this and possible courses of action. In particular, glaciers at over 3,000 metres above sea level could be preserved in the long term. The fact sheet will be published on 21 March 2025 to mark the first "International Glacier Day". The United Nations has declared 2025 the International Year of Glaciers' Preservation.
Image: Jürgen Merz, @glacionautThe Swiss Glaciers 2021/22 and 2022/23
Glaciological Report (Glacier) No. 141/142 about the Swiss Glaciers 2019/20 and 2020/21, under review by the Cryospheric Commission.
Image: SKK, GLAMOS
Severe melting of glaciers despite heavy snowfall at high altitudes
After the extreme circumstances encountered in 2022 and 2023, no relief is in sight for Swiss glaciers. Despite exceptionally large volumes of snow during the winter, a combination of temperatures in July and August that at times reached record levels and dust from the Sahara resulted in a loss of 2.5% of the glacier volume. This was reported by the Swiss Commission for Cryosphere Observation of the Swiss Academy of Sciences on Tuesday.
Image: Matthias Huss
Keine Erholung für den Permafrost in der Schweiz
Nach zwei Jahren mit wenig Schnee und sehr heissen Sommern bleibt der Permafrost in der Schweiz im Herbst 2023 warm und der Eisgehalt des Bodens nahm vielerorts weiter ab. Die Blockgletscher bewegten sich zudem schnell talwärts. Dies geht aus den neuesten Messungen des Schweizer Permafrost-Messnetzes hervor.
Image: Matthias Lichtenegger
Aussergewöhnliche Hochwasser im November und Dezember 2023
Gleich zweimal innerhalb weniger Wochen waren die West- und Nordschweiz im November und Dezember 2023 von Hochwasser betroffen. Schneefälle, gefolgt von intensivem Regen und Schneeschmelze führten vielerorts zu starken Anstiegen der Abflüsse und Wasserstände. Dies in einem Ausmass, wie es in den Wintermonaten bisher selten oder noch nie beobachtet wurde. Ein Rückblick auf diese beiden Ereignisse und was sie besonders macht.
Image: Pxhere, CC0Contact
Dr. Matthias Huss
ETH Zürich
Dept. of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering (D-BAUG)
Versuchsanstalt für Wasser, Hydrologie und Glaziologie (VAW)
Hönggerbergring 26
8093 Zürich
Switzerland
