Computer Engineering and Networks Lab, ETH Zurich Geography Department, University of Zurich Department of Computer Science, University of Basel The PermaSense Project

PermaSense - Aims and Vision  Interdisciplinary geo-science and engineering collaboration  Long-term high-quality sensing in harsh environments  Better quality data, obtained online  Measurements that have previously been impossible  Enabling new science, answering fundamental questions related to decision making, natural hazard early-warning  Project started in 2006  Funded by Swiss National Science Foundation, Federal Office of the Environment and others

What is Permafrost?  Permafrost is rock, ground and debris frozen throughout the whole year  Permafrost is not visible  In summer permafrost thaws at the surface

Investigating Instabilities in Steep Rock Walls  When are vertical rock walls getting instable?  When is rockfall happening?  What are its causes?  What are the effects of climate change?  How does this influence our environment and habitat in the Alps?

Rockfall at the Eiger in sommer 2006, Video courtesy of Arte Television Understanding Root Causes of Catastrophes

Our patient does not fit into a laboratory

So the laboratory has to go on the mountain

Our Field Sites on Jungfraujoch and the Matterhorn

The Matterhorn station at 3500 m in deep winter snow

Perched high above the valley on a rocky ridge

At the core - Wireless sensors tough to withstand the elements

Specialized Low-Power Electronics in a Rugged Enclosure

The sensors are installed in steep rock and ice walls

A base station collects and relays the data to the valley

Access with the helicopter is often spectacular

Flying up to the Matterhorn Field Site

The field work requires alpinist skills

Understanding How Ice and Water Behaves in Rock Cracks

Is Solid Ice in Fissures Acting as Glue or as a Lubricant?

 Temperatures influence crack movement  Moisture saturation processes in freezing and thawing First Measurements are Converted to Scientific Results Temperature [°C] Crack dilatation [mm] Temperature [°C] Resistance [MOhm] Craqck dilatation [mm]

A workplace with a view

PermaSense - An Interdisciplinary Team  ETH Zurich  Computer Engineering and Networks Lab  University of Zurich  Department of Geography  University of Basel  Department Computer Science

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