PROJECTSchneefernerhaus

The melting of high-alpine permafrost poses significant dangers as it reduces rock stability and increases the risk of rockfall and landslides for both people and infrastructure. By monitoring surface temperatures in high-alpine regions, conclusions can be drawn regarding the presence of permafrost in the soil. The "UAV_Temp" project aims to monitor surface temperatures extensively in high-alpine areas to determine the occurrence and dynamics of permafrost. The monitoring is carried out as part of a research campaign centered around the Environmental Research Station (UFS) Schneefernerhaus, enabling the early detection of potential natural hazards such as rockfall and mudslides. Furthermore, the influence of existing infrastructure (Schneefernerhaus, 2650m, south-facing, built in the 1930s) on permafrost occurrences shall be observed quantitatively. The use of innovative UAV technology, such as drones equipped with thermal infrared sensors, enables efficient data collection from the air, particularly in hard-to-reach areas. As a research partner of UFS, GEORESEARCH embraces the challenges of drone deployment in high mountainous regions (difficult flight conditions and beyond visual line of sight "BVLOS" operations) and conducts regular drone monitoring and data analysis. Furthermore, GEORESEARCH takes on an educational role within the project by providing training on drone flight in high-alpine areas for the project partners. Through this exceptional practical training, UFS staff gain additional expertise and experience in drone operations, which is essential for future projects.

PROJECT PARTNERS