ETH - D-BAUG - VAW Glaziologie / Glaciology

This was clearly demonstrated by the Allalingletscher ice avalanche in 1965, which destroyed the construction site of the Mattmark hydraulic dam and claimed 88 victims.

It was during this period when glaciological investigations became an important aspect of the work at the former Hydrology Section of VAW/ETH Zurich. Glaciology at VAW gained international recognition in 1973 due to the new theory on water flow in intra- and sub-glacial channels put forth by Hans Röthlisberger.

As a direct result of the increasing importance of glaciological issues, the Glaciology Section of VAW (VAW/Glaciology) was founded in 1979.

VAW/Glaciology has ever since pursued the following activities

Basic Research

The strength of the Glaciology division of VAW has always been the investigation of processes in physical glaciology. Field studies with the best available methods are carried out under often challenging conditions. The results are analysed and interpreted with theoretical and numerical models.

Applied Studies (Consulting)

Our division regularly investigates glacier-related issues in connection to risk management and measures for protection against natural hazards. Such studies are often carried out to the benefit of the relevant local authorities, power companies, and tourist operations.

Fluctuations of Glaciers (Glacier Monitoring)

For more than four decades, data on glacier variations in the Swiss Alps have been collected, evaluated, and published by the Glaciology division of VAW. It is thanks to these studies that the worldwide longest and most extensive database on glacier variations has been made publicly available for use in scientific studies.

The above key topics have been under continuous investigation at VAW/Glaciology.
The interplay between monitoring, applied studies and basic research fostered many new insights and devolopments in the field of glaciology.

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