Visualization of the block glacier in the Swiss National Park
Block glaciers are important indicators of permafrost in high mountain areas and are thawing worldwide as climate change progresses. Three-dimensional analysis and animation of the processed data, show for the first time a detailed insight into the changes over time. In the form of an attractive and comprehensible presentation format, the processed data and findings will be presented to the general public for the first time in the new staging in 2023 in the visitor centre of the Swiss National Park.
Block glaciers are important indicators of permafrost in high mountain areas and are thawing around the world as climate change continues. While it is difficult to visualize permafrost thaw in many places, rock glaciers provide an ideal example to demonstrate climate impacts to a broad audience through selected local case studies.
The rock glaciers (Val da l'Acqua, Val Sassa, Valletta) in the Swiss National Park are particularly impressive examples, as they move downhill up to half a meter per year. Since 1919, data have been collected on these rock glaciers (See under Lit. 2.), including aerial photographs, some of which have been converted into digital terrain models.
Nevertheless, the surface behaviour and flow motion of block glaciers are not always easy to decipher using analysis of discrete measurements. A three-dimensional analysis and animation of the processed data shows for the first time a detailed insight into the changes over time and allows further understanding of the exact relationships between temperature, weather and movement speed. In the form of an attractive and comprehensible presentation, the processed data and findings will be presented to the general public for the first time in the new staging in 2023 in the visitor centre of the Swiss National Park.
