Alpine Mass Movements

The Alpine Mass Movement research group investigates the mechanics and rheology of granular flows and gravitational mass movements occurring in mountain environments and contributes to mitigation and land-​use planning solutions. Processes of interest include avalanches (snow, rock and ice), debris flows and rockfalls. The group develops and uses advanced computational methods as well as physics-​based practice-​oriented approaches, supported by laboratory and field experiments to better understand and predict the triggering phase and dynamics of mass movements. Particular attention is devoted to understanding and addressing climate change impacts and potentially catastrophic cascading processes.