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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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?

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

6. Our patient does not fit into a laboratory

7. So the laboratory has to go on the mountain

8. Our Field Sites on Jungfraujoch and the Matterhorn

9. The Matterhorn station at 3500 m in deep winter snow

10. Perched high above the valley on a rocky ridge

11. At the core - Wireless sensors tough to withstand the elements

12. Specialized Low-Power Electronics in a Rugged Enclosure

13. The sensors are installed in steep rock and ice walls

14. A base station collects and relays the data to the valley

15. Access with the helicopter is often spectacular

16. Flying up to the Matterhorn Field Site

17. The field work requires alpinist skills

19. Understanding How Ice and Water Behaves in Rock Cracks

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

21.  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]

22. A workplace with a view

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

24. Interested in more? http://www.permasense.ch