W e l c o m e
The aim of the Swiss Permafrost Monitoring Network (PERMOS) is the sytematic long-term documentation of state and changes of mountain permafrost in the Swiss Alps. Long-term trends cannot be assessed from a snapshot and sound conclusions on the state and changes of climate and the environment are only possible based on regular and standardized measurements of key variables over long time periods. In addition to change detection a monitoring network contributes to improving process understanding, putting into perspective individual measurements, providing a basis for decision makers, and validating models.
The observation strategy of the PERMOS network has been established based on the experiences of its first 10 years of operation, during which it transformed from a loose network of sites from research projects to an operational monitoring service. Based on the strategy and experiences, measurement sites, key variables and observation techniques were selected and are continuously evaluated.
The distribution and thermal conditions of mountain permafrost are spatially highly variable and mainly influenced by topography as well as surface and subsurface characteristics of different landforms. PERMOS includes three types of observations which are taken at sites on different landforms in varying topographic settings: (1) ground temperatures measured in boreholes and at the surface near to the drill site, (2) changes in subsurface ice and unfrozen water content at the drill sites by geo-electrical surveys, and (3) velocities of permafrost creep determined by geodetic surveys and photogrammetry. In addition, fast mass movements from permafrost areas (e.g., rock fall) are documented in an invent ory.
This web site provides information on the monitoring strategy, observation sites, PERMOS partners, and PERMOS Supporter (funding institutions). All PERMOS documentation and publications as well as some general information on mountain permafrost.