Catastrophic Potential of Over 400,000 Cubic Metres of Rock Collapsing into the Valley
Adventure in the Bavarian Alps!
Newsworthy insights from the Hochvogel, a wondrous peak with a hidden danger - a potential rockslide, compelling researchers to keep a watchful eye. A team of scientists, led by Prof. Michael Krautblatter from TU Munich, has been tracking the Hochvogel's every move since 2014, when about 140,000 cubic meters of rock went AWOL. Since then, the climbing route in the south, the Baumenheimer Way, has been out of bounds, placing adventurers' lives in peril.
Now, the plot thickens! The potential mass plummeting into the valley has been recalculated - up to 400,000 cubic meters of rock is at the ready, waiting to plunge south. That's quite the hefty cascade! It's almost a tenth to a twentieth of the mass that buried the Swiss village of Blatten, reports Krautblatter. Every year since 2014, the cracks and fissures have grown deeper and wider, leaving everyone on edge. The researchers predict a partial collapse is imminent.
The Hochvogel's Restless Reveal
While the cracks and crackling sounds subtly indicate a looming disaster, it's yet uncertain when the real show will commence. The researchers predict a rapid enlargement of the cracks a few days prior to the catastrophe, with a possible daily expansion of several centimeters. Once that emergency alert sounds, Krautblatter and his team will be the first responders, alerting the authorities and the mayors of the two neighboring communities of Hindelang in the Allgäu and Hinterhornbach in Tirol.
Luckily, even with 400,000 cubic meters, no residential areas would be affected, says Krautblatter. However, any blocked streams, such as the Hornbach, would require quick clearing to prevent flooding.
Caution Ahead: More Than Meets The Eye
The Hochvogel isn't the only sneaky slope with hidden dangers. The researchers have other regions in their sights, like the Garmisch-Partenkirchen district. A laser has been installed at the Ferchenbach above the Partnach Gorge, ready to measure any congestion caused by landslides. Quick action is essential to avoid a surge wave (the technical term) making its way through the Partnach Gorge, which would render the Höllentalklamm impassable due to the acute rockfall danger.
The neighboring Höllentalklamm has been under observation since 2016, with two sections of the path already closed and hikers detoured through mountain tunnels due to the rockfall danger.
In 2015, the slope slid at Grafenaschau - a massive landslide covering 60 hectares. Since then, the slope has remained active, with annual assessments using a drone to measure its current state.
More to Explore
Mountain monitoring is a critical aspect of maintaining safety in mountainous regions, and the Hochvogel has gained international attention with events like the 2022 Marmolada disaster in Italy. When Krautblatter began his research, he was the only man on the job. Now his team includes 20 researchers, and it seems that number will only grow as more mountains start to "squeak." Indeed, it sounds like there's an expedition to the Hochvogel happening this month, with more measuring instruments on the way!
Stay tuned for more updates from the mountain world, and remember - always respect the mighty power of nature!
- The team of scientists under Prof. Michael Krautblatter from TU Munich is not only focusing on the Hochvogel but also monitoring other regions, such as the Garmisch-Partenkirchen district, for potential landslide hazards.
- Fitness-and-exercise enthusiasts and health-and-wellness seekers may find themselves inspired by the determination and risk-assessment work conducted by environmental-science researchers like Prof. Krautblatter, who are committed to ensuring safety in mountainous regions.
- Climate-change and its implications on the environment, including increased likelihood of landslides and other geological disasters, are important considerations in the field of science, emphasizing the interconnectedness of various scientific disciplines.
