Background

Climate changes affecting the planet need to pay great attention to evaluate the related effects, primarily in mountain territories, first sentinels of climate change. The actively involvement of high-altitude refuges, a precious asset for weather and climate surveillance of the Italian mountains, need to increase and improve knowledges about climate change effects on these infrastructures, requiring specific assessment and investigation through observation and monitoring of processes that can affect these valuable infrastructures.

Purpose

The project, financed by the Italian Alpine Club (CAI), financed by the Ministry of Tourism, includes two years of screening, representing a unique project in the Alpine territory: an in-depth analysis of all high-altitude structures of CAI, aimed at identifying any evidence of stability problems in the buildings or works connected to them, which may be linked to geo-hydrological phenomena.

Methods

The surveys will be carried out by a team of experienced professionals, who will use a standardized document developed by CNR-IRPI, the so called “Operative Monographies”, to perform the analyses and obtain uniform reports by the various operators involved. Particular attention will be paid to those processes related to the effects of climate change, e.g. the permafrost stability.

Results

In addition to the operative value of the obtained reports for each refuge, this screening will also have an important return in methodological and scientific terms, allowing the collection of data never acquired before. The project will provide useful knowledge for mitigating the effects of climate change and can be used as a reference model for similar activities in other parts of the Alps or in areas potentially affected by permafrost degradation processes.

Products

A total of 58 Operative Monographies, 40 for refuge and 18 for bivouacs, located at an altitude above 2800 m above sea level, will be created by the commissioned experts. In addition, a dedicated Database will be created by CNR IRPI and compiled by the professionals.