FROST.INI

Alpine permafrost begins at 2,500 meters above sea level and influences landscapes as well as slope stability. Climate change is accelerating its degradation, altering the physical conditions and hydrology of the soil, and impacting high-mountain infrastructure. An analysis integrating in-situ measurements and remote sensing data will be expanded to several pilot sites in the cross-border area between Italy and Austria. By leveraging the expertise of each partner, the synergistic approach will enhance understanding of permafrost dynamics, facilitate the integration of risk mitigation measures into spatial planning policies, and improve the resilience of high-mountain infrastructure. The outcomes will promote: the understanding of the interaction between infrastructure and permafrost, the current state and potential evolution of permafrost in relation to climatic impacts, the creation of digital twins for two selected pilot sites and the development of guidelines based on project experiences. Multilingual meetings will encourage discussion, exchange, and strengthen research and innovation capacity. The monitoring system will also be made available for sharing after the project's completion. 

Project partners: National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics – OGS, Provincia autonoma di Bolzano - Alto Adige - Ufficio Geologia e Prove Materiali, Eurac Research, Office of the Salzburg Provincial Government - Department 6 Infrastructure and Transport, GEORESEARCH Research company Ltd. 

Associated partners: ARPAV - Regional Agency for Environmental Protection and Prevention of the Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia Autonomous Region - Geological department, Tofana Srl.