This seminar is part of the Tuesday Seminar Series organized by the Center for Hydrogeology and Geothermics (CHYN) at the University of Neuchâtel. We are pleased to welcome Dr. Dominik Amschwand from the University of Innsbruck, who will speak about the seasonal ice turnover in the Murtèl rock glacier (Engadin) and permafrost-groundwater connectivity.

Abstract
Groundwater plays a critical, yet poorly understood role in the increasing risks of water scarcity and permafrost-related hazards in high-mountain environments, spurring hydro(geo)logical investigations by the mountain permafrost research community. Climate-resilient sub-surface ice stored in permafrost landforms, such as rock glaciers, is a seasonal water ‘‘source’’, with its gradual melting helping to mitigate summer droughts. Water flow and advective heat transfer influence the thermal and mechanical stability of these frozen, but degrading landforms. In this talk, I describe how we quantified seasonal accumulation and melt of ground ice in the active layer of the Murtèl rock glacier (Engadin) using simple stake measurements and advanced energy balance models based on heat flux measurements from an extensive below-ground sensor network. I will explore the rock glaciers’ role for the permafrost-groundwater connectivity. Finally, I will present our ongoing work in developing sensor networks with real-time data transmission in harsh high-mountain permafrost sites.