Geomechanical monitoring and analysis of global warming in high Alps

Global warming is particularly evident in alpine areas, where the temperature increase is larger than the global average. This causes the upward receding of permafrost which in turn affects the stability of high mountain slopes by causing rockfall and rock/ice avalanche events. While it is difficult to define the direct cause-effect relationship for any specific event, two general facts emerge: failures are becoming increasingly frequent, especially during particularly hot summer seasons, and they tend to concentrate within the altitude range affected by permafrost receding. In this paper, we describe the measurement station set up at Capanna Margherita hut (Punta Gnifetti, 4554m a.s.l., Monte Rosa massif), the highest mountain hut in the Alps, with the purpose of monitoring warming effects. Two boreholes were drilled, and multi-parametric geotechnical monitoring systems (DMS columns) were installed in them. Considering the climate-driven nature of potential failures, a comprehensive set of data is continuously recorded, including inclinometric, extensometric, piezometric, thermometric, and accelerometric measurements. Based on the monitoring data collected so far, the relationship between air temperature and underground temperature can be preliminarily assessed. Furthermore, the correlation between temperature and displacements has been analysed and discussed, revealing a linear relationship that will be further explored through long-term monitoring.