Articles | Volume 20, issue 9
https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-20-4787-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-20-4787-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
31 Aug 2026
Research article |
| 31 Aug 2026
| 31 Aug 2026
Field-validated imaging of decadal and seasonal changes in permafrost bedrock using quantitative electrical resistivity tomography (Zugspitze, Germany/Austria)
Riccardo Scandroglio
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Technical University of Munich, Chair of Landslide Research, Munich, Germany
Samuel Weber
Climate Change, Extremes and Natural Hazards in Alpine Regions Research Center CERC, Davos, Switzerland
WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF, Davos, Switzerland
Jonas K. Limbrock
University of Bonn, Institute of Geosciences, Geophysics Section, Bonn, Germany
Michael Krautblatter
Technical University of Munich, Chair of Landslide Research, Munich, Germany
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The mechanical response of permafrost degradation on high-mountain rock slope stability has not been calculated in a numerical model yet. We present the first approach for a model with thermal and mechanical input data derived from laboratory and field work, and existing concepts. This is applied to a test site at the Zugspitze, Germany. A numerical sensitivity analysis provides the first critical stability thresholds related to the rock temperature, slope angle and fracture network orientation.
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Multispectral remote sensing imagery enables landslide detection and monitoring, but its applicability to time-critical early warning is rarely studied. We present a concept to operationalise its use for landslide early warning, aiming to extend lead time. We tested PlanetScope and unmanned aerial system images on a complex mass movement and compared processing times to historic benchmarks. Acquired data are within the forecasting window, indicating the feasibility for landslide early warning.
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Short summary
This study monitors changes in frozen rock on Mount Zugspitze over 17 years using monthly electrical resistivity measurements. By linking this data to rock temperature and applying advanced analysis, it reveals a 40 % loss of permafrost in the past decade. Thawing accelerates during summer, highlighting increasing risks of rock instability as temperatures rise.
This study monitors changes in frozen rock on Mount Zugspitze over 17 years using monthly...
