PROJEKT FROST.INI
Degradation of Permafrost and Instability of Alpine Infrastructure
High-alpine regions are particularly affected by rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns, which bring new and previously unforeseen challenges. One of these challenges concerns the highest, permanently frozen peaks of the Alps, where the continuous degradation of permafrost contributes to reduced slope stability and causes significant damage to alpine infrastructure that was considered safe in recent decades.
The aim of the FROST.INI project (Interreg VI-A Italy-Austria) is to (i) better understand the effects of ongoing permafrost degradation in the Austrian-Italian Alps, (ii) identify associated alpine natural hazards, and (iii) develop solution-oriented strategies and guidelines for the growing challenges faced by operators of high-altitude infrastructure. To achieve this, the project integrates in-situ measurements and remote sensing data from selected pilot sites, complemented by the development of digital twins.
FROST.INI brings together the experience and expertise of project partners from science, industry, and public administration, creating an ideal environment for developing practical concepts and solutions. Cross-border cooperation activities and transnational use of the results contribute to improved climate change adaptation in the Austrian-Italian Alps.
PROFILE
Contribution GEORESEARCH: Project Partner
Project Partners: National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics - OGS (Lead), Autonome Provinz Bozen - Südtirol, Eurac, Land Salzburg
Project Duration: 03/2025 - 02/2027
Funding: Interreg VI-A Italia-Austria 2021-2027
FROST.INI Kickoff-Meeting, Trieste (ITA)
On March 11 and 12, 2025, the opening events of the FROST.INI project took place in Trieste. During the kickoff meeting on March 11, the project's research priorities were presented and the pilot sites were determined. On March 12, a public event was held in the Aula Magna of the Miramare Campus, during which permafrost risks in the Italian-Austrian Alpine region and climate change adaptation measures were discussed.
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FROST.INI Stakeholder-Meeting, Kaprun
To mark the start of the project in March, a stakeholder meeting will take place on April 3 and 4, 2025, in Kaprun (Salzburg, Austria). The aim of the event is to involve key stakeholders and decision-makers from the Italian-Austrian permafrost regions early on in the project. On April 3, the project agenda will be presented through a series of lectures and workshops at Kaprun Castle. On April 4, a joint excursion to the Open-Air Lab Kitzsteinhorn will take place, during which the local permafrost monitoring and early warning system will be visited.
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FROST.INI Stakeholder survey
We are running a short scientific stakeholder survey on infrastructure operation in alpine permafrost regions - and we would love to get your input! It only takes a few minutes, and while there’s nothing to win, you’ll be contributing to science. The survey is part of our new FROST.INI project (Interreg VI-A Italy-Austria), which focuses on integrating local and regional perspectives from the Italian and Austrian Alps.
...join the survey
FROST.INI Video
GEORESEARCH, together with geologist Gerald Valentin, is raising awareness of the impacts of climate change on alpine huts and infrastructure as part of the FROST.INI project.
... watch video
FUNDING
Interreg Italia - Österreich
Project Partner
National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics
Autonome Provinz Bozen-Südtirol
11.6 Amt für Geologie und Baustoffprüfung
Land Salzburg
Abteilung 6 - Infrastructure and Transport
