The task of the SCC is to observe the changes of the alpine cryosphere. Furthermore, supervises all long-term cryospheric monitoring networks of Switzerland.more

Image: NASA Earth Observatory, Jesse Allen and Robert Simmonmore

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

Large volumes of dust from the Sahara entered Switzerland in several waves in the winter and spring of 2024. The dust collected on the surface of the snow and glaciers, leading to an increase in solar radiation absorbed during the summer. This considerably accelerated the thawing process.

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

Image: Matthias Huss
Hochwasser

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

Image: Pxhere, CC0