Monitoring of Global Warming Effecs in High Alps

Global warming is following a particular acute trend in alpine areas, where the recorded temperature increases are larger than on average. This trend has a direct impact on the stability of high mountain slopes, as it provokes the upward receding of permafrost and triggers a series of rockfall events. Although is difficult to pinpoint the direct cause-effect relationship for any recorded event, two general facts emerge: failures are becoming more and more frequent, especially during particularly hot summer seasons; failures tend to concentrate within the altitude range affected by permafrost receding. In this paper, we discuss the design and installation of the monitoring station at Capanna Margherita hut (Punta Gnifetti 4554m a.s.l., Monte Rosa massif), which is the highest mountain hut in the Alps and in Europe in general. The design of the monitoring set-up is based on a previous geomechanically survey (by laser scanning and photogrammetry) and numerical simulations performed with the Distinct Element Method. Preliminarily, two boreholes were drilled and BHTV images were recorded to complement geomechanically information. Then two multi-parametric geotechnical monitoring systems (DMS columns) were installed in the boreholes. Considering the climate-driven nature of potential failures, a full set of data is continuously being recorded, including inclinometric, extensometric, piezometric, thermometric and accelerometric data. Besides focusing on the discussion of the set-up and commenting on the preliminary