Research

Research Activities

The research activities of VAW are spanning a wide field from the supply of electricity over natural hazard protection and environmental topics to the availability of water resources in a changing climate. In particular, we are active in the research domains of air-water flows, sustainable hydropower, hydraulic structures, numerical modelling, solids transport and morphodynamics, eco- and ethohydraulics, cryo- and hydraulic hazards, glacier hydrology, glacier mechanics and glacier seismology. We are involved in fundamental research, as well as in applied research in terms of model studies, consulting and monitoring.

Research Focus
Research Foci of VAW

Fundamental Research

The investigation of physical processes using laboratory scale experiments and field measurements has been VAW’s core expertise for many decades. Scale models allow to study specific processes under controlled conditions using high-end measurement techniques. Field studies applying state-of-the-art methods enable the assessment of nature-scale processes. The results are analysed and interpreted using both theoretical and numerical models.

Applied research (Consulting)

The application of findings from fundamental research to applied studies is our primary way to transfer knowledge. Challenging issues related to the design of hydraulic infrastructure, river restoration or risk mitigation, water availability and glacier-related hazards are investigated using lab-scale, theoretical or numerical models. Such studies are often conducted on behalf and to the benefit of local, cantonal or federal authorities, power companies, and tourist operators.

Monitoring

The monitoring of glacier variations in the Swiss Alps has been an important task for more than four decades. Novel techniques such as drone-based aerial surveys now also allow for efficient monitoring of river morphodynamics and other processes.


Contact

HIA C 58
  • +41 44 632 40 91

ETH Zurich

Laboratory of Hydraulics,
Hydrology and Glaciology (VAW)
Hönggerbergring 26
8093 Zurich
Switzerland

links: VAW Inside, @VAW_hydraulics, @VAW_glaciology, YouTube VAW Inside@tVAW_hydraulics@VAW_glaciologyYouTube
JavaScript has been disabled in your browser