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High Alps

The High Alps (French: Hautes-Alpes) is a department in southeastern France, located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region and forming part of the Western Alps mountain range.^[1] It spans approximately 5,549 square kilometers of rugged, high-elevation terrain, with an average altitude exceeding 1,000 meters, making it the highest department in France by elevation.^[1]^[2] The department's dramatic geography includes steep valleys, glacial lakes, and towering peaks, with the Barre des Écrins standing as its highest point at 4,102 meters.^[3] Home to around 141,677 residents as of 2022, the High Alps has one of the lowest population densities in France at 25.5 inhabitants per square kilometer, reflecting its remote and mountainous character.^[1] The prefecture is Gap, a historic town at 733 meters elevation serving as the administrative and economic hub, while other notable settlements include Briançon—the highest town in France at 1,326 meters—and Embrun, known for its medieval heritage.^[4] The department borders Italy to the east and several French departments, including Isère to the north and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence to the south, positioning it as a gateway between the Dauphiné and Provençal regions.^[5] Geologically, the High Alps showcases the folded structures of the Alpine orogeny, with crystalline massifs like the Massif des Écrins dominating the landscape and supporting extensive glaciation despite ongoing retreat due to climate change.^[6] A significant portion falls within the Écrins National Park, established in 1973, which protects diverse ecosystems ranging from alpine meadows to high-altitude tundra, hosting rare wildlife such as ibex, chamois, and golden eagles.^[7] The area's hydrology features the Durance River as a major waterway, originating from glacial sources and flowing westward to join the Rhône.^[5] Economically, the High Alps relies heavily on tourism, with world-class ski resorts like Serre Chevalier and Vars attracting visitors for winter sports, while summer offers hiking, mountaineering, and paragliding amid 300 days of sunshine annually.^[8] Agriculture focuses on high-altitude pastoralism, producing renowned cheeses like Bleu du Hautes-Alpes and liqueurs, alongside emerging renewable energy from hydroelectric dams.^[7] Culturally, the region blends Occitan traditions with alpine folklore, evident in festivals and fortified villages like Mont-Dauphin, a UNESCO World Heritage site for its 17th-century Vauban fortifications.^[5]

Geography

Location and Boundaries

The Hautes-Alpes department is located in southeastern France, within the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, and forms part of the Western Alps mountain range. It covers an area of 5,549 square kilometers and has an average elevation exceeding 1,000 meters, making it the highest department in France by mean altitude. The department's terrain is predominantly mountainous and rugged, with elevations rising sharply from valleys to peaks over 4,000 meters, limiting large-scale habitation and agriculture.^[9]^[1] Hautes-Alpes is bordered by the French departments of Savoie and Isère to the north, Drôme to the west, and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence to the south. To the east, it shares a border with Italy's Piedmont region, particularly along the Col de l'Argentière and other alpine passes. These boundaries position Hautes-Alpes as a transitional zone between the Dauphiné region to the north and Provence to the south, encompassing diverse alpine landscapes from forested valleys to high plateaus. A significant portion of the department lies within the Écrins National Park, enhancing its protected natural boundaries.^[1]^[10]

Major Peaks and Topography

The topography of Hautes-Alpes is characterized by steep, glaciated massifs and deep valleys sculpted by erosion, with the Écrins Massif dominating the central and southern areas. The department features sharp ridges, cirques, and U-shaped valleys typical of alpine glaciation, interspersed with plateaus and gorges that facilitate activities like hiking and skiing. Elevations generally range from 700 meters in the broader valleys around Gap to over 4,000 meters in the high summits, creating a dramatic relief with slopes often exceeding 30 degrees.^[9]^[8] The highest peak in Hautes-Alpes is the Barre des Écrins at 4,102 meters, located in the Écrins Massif and serving as the culminating point of the department as well as the entire Dauphiné Alps. Other notable summits include La Meije at 3,983 meters, renowned for its jagged granite spires and technical climbing routes, and Pic du Pelvoux at 3,946 meters, a prominent crystalline peak visible from afar. These peaks form part of a cluster of over 100 summits exceeding 3,000 meters, contributing to the department's reputation as a mountaineering hub. The northern sector features slightly lower but extensive ranges like the Massif du Queyras, with rounded forms contrasting the sharper Écrins profiles.^[10]^[9]

Glaciers and Water Features

Hautes-Alpes hosts numerous glaciers, primarily within the Écrins National Park, which covers about 30% of the department and protects around 40 glacial features as of 2023. The Glacier Blanc, the largest glacier in the southern French Alps at approximately 5.5 kilometers long, descends from the slopes of the Barre des Écrins, while the adjacent Glacier Noir spans about 7 kilometers and feeds into the same valley system. These valley glaciers, along with smaller ice fields on high peaks, have been retreating due to climate change, with an estimated 20-30% area loss since 1980, exposing moraines and altering local hydrology.^[11]^[12] The department's water features are dominated by the Durance River, which originates from glacial sources near the Col de la Croix de Fer and flows westward for about 300 kilometers through Hautes-Alpes before joining the Rhône. Key reservoirs include Lac de Serre-Ponçon, Europe's largest artificial lake at 282 square kilometers, formed by a dam on the Durance in 1955 and supporting hydroelectric power and irrigation. Smaller glacial tarns and alpine lakes, such as Lac du Lauvitel and Lac de l'Eychauda, dot the high terrain, while seasonal streams and waterfalls like the Gorges du Champsaur add to the hydrological diversity. These features provide essential water resources but are vulnerable to glacial melt variations.^[9]^[5]

Geology

Tectonic Formation

The High Alps originated from the Alpine orogeny, a prolonged mountain-building episode driven by the convergent collision of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates. This process initiated in the Late Cretaceous around 100 million years ago, involving the subduction of the intervening Alpine Tethys oceanic lithosphere northward beneath the Eurasian margin, followed by continental crust collision that compressed and uplifted vast volumes of pre-existing sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.^[13] The timeline of formation spans from the Late Cretaceous initiation (ca. 100–66 million years ago), with significant early deformation and folding during the Eocene epoch (56–34 million years ago), marking the onset of substantial crustal thickening and initial uplift. Peak elevation and structural development occurred during the Miocene (23–5 million years ago), as intensified compression led to the climax of the orogeny, though tectonic activity persists today alongside isostatic rebound from post-glacial unloading.^[13]^[14]^[15] Key tectonic structures include vast overthrust sheets called nappes, such as the Pennine nappes in the internal zones and the Helvetic nappes in the external zones, which formed through northward-directed thrusting of crustal slices during convergence. In the High Alps, the Briançonnais nappes are prominent, with ophiolite remnants like the Chenaillet massif near Briançon preserving fragments of the ancient Tethys ocean floor. Prominent fault systems, like the Insubric line (part of the Periadriatic fault system), delineate the separation between the central crystalline massifs and the southern Alpine domains, arising from late-stage post-collisional extension and dextral shearing.^[13]^[16] Evidence for this tectonic history is preserved in the fossiliferous limestone sequences, which contain marine invertebrates and other biota indicative of the shallow to deep-water environments of the ancient Tethys sea, now thrust to elevations exceeding 4,000 meters. Contemporary seismic activity, with moderate earthquakes clustered along inherited plate boundary faults, further attests to the ongoing Africa-Eurasia convergence and residual stresses within the orogenic belt.^[17]^[18]

Rock Composition and Structure

The High Alps feature a complex rock composition dominated by a crystalline basement in their core regions, primarily consisting of gneiss and granite formed during the Variscan orogeny (ca. 380–300 million years ago) and later modified by Alpine tectonics. In the Massif des Écrins, a granitic pluton forms the heart, surrounded by a metamorphic halo including anatexites (e.g., Mont Pelvoux), migmatites (e.g., Barre des Écrins), and various gneisses (e.g., Upper Meije). These igneous and metamorphic rocks provide the structural integrity for the highest peaks. Overlying this basement is a sedimentary cover in the outer zones, mainly comprising limestone and dolomite deposited in the Mesozoic Tethys Ocean, which contribute to the rugged karst landscapes. Metamorphic schists, derived from regional pressure and heat, are widespread, especially in the Penninic nappes, adding to the durability and foliated appearance of the terrain. Pillow lavas from ancient underwater volcanoes are exposed in the Chenaillet massif, now at 2,600 meters elevation.^[19]^[10] Regional variations in rock types reflect the department's tectonic segmentation, with the Massif des Écrins dominated by granitic and metamorphic rocks, while the Queyras massif to the northeast features more sedimentary sequences including limestone, dolomite, basalt, and glossy schists. These differences arise from varying proximity to ancient continental margins during the Alpine collision.^[10]^[20] The structural framework includes intense folds and thrusts that stack these rock units into nappes, with recumbent folds common in the Helvetic domain and major thrust faults like the Penninic frontal thrust defining boundaries. Metamorphism grades range from greenschist facies in peripheral areas to amphibolite facies in central zones, where temperatures reached 500–550°C under Barrovian conditions.^[20]^[21] Historically, the High Alps have hosted minor mineral resources, such as silver deposits mined in the Argentière area since Roman times. However, mining remains limited due to the steep terrain and structural complexity, restricting large-scale operations.^[19]

Climate and Environment

Climatic Zones

The High Alps exhibit distinct altitudinal zonation influenced by elevation, resulting in varied climatic conditions that transition from forested lower slopes to barren icy summits. The nival zone, typically above 3,000 meters, features permanent snow cover and extremely cold temperatures, with annual averages around -10°C due to prolonged winter conditions and minimal solar warming even in summer. Below this, the alpine zone spans approximately 2,000 to 3,000 meters, characterized by tundra-like environments where summer temperatures range from 0°C to 5°C on average, supporting sparse vegetation adapted to short growing seasons and frequent frost. The subalpine zone serves as a transitional belt, generally between 1,600 and 2,000 meters, where temperatures are milder but still experience significant diurnal fluctuations, marking the upper limit of continuous forest cover before giving way to open meadows.^[22] Precipitation in the High Alps is heavily shaped by orographic lift, where moist air masses ascending the windward slopes condense and release 1,500 to 2,500 mm of annual rainfall or snowfall, particularly on northern and western faces.^[23] In contrast, leeward sides receive less moisture, often under 1,200 mm annually, due to the rain shadow effect exacerbated by foehn winds—dry, warm downslope gusts reaching speeds up to 100 km/h that rapidly evaporate remaining humidity.^[23]^[24] This spatial variability contributes to the persistence of glaciers in the higher nival zones, where accumulated snow endures year-round.^[25] Temperature decreases with elevation at an average lapse rate of 6.5°C per 1,000 meters, leading to harsh extremes: winter lows can plummet to -30°C in exposed high areas, while summer highs at mountain passes may reach 20°C under clear skies.^[26] Microclimates further complicate these patterns, with valley inversions often trapping denser cold air near the ground during calm nights, creating localized frost pockets decoupled from warmer air aloft.^[27] The region's climate is also modulated by competing air masses, including moist Mediterranean flows from the south that bring warmer, humid conditions to southern slopes and drier continental air from the east that intensifies aridity on inner-Alpine sides.^[28]

Environmental Challenges

The High Alps face significant natural hazards, including avalanches, rockfalls, and flooding from glacial lake outbursts. Avalanches occur frequently in the French Alps, with monitoring by the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research (SLF) and French services indicating dozens of events annually that affect people or property.^[29] These incidents are particularly prevalent in winter due to heavy snowfall and steep terrain, though their frequency and impact vary by season and location. Rockfalls have increased due to permafrost degradation, with recent studies indicating that approximately 76% of such events in the Alps occur in permafrost-affected areas, destabilizing slopes and endangering infrastructure.^[30] Recent observations as of 2024 highlight increased rockfalls in the French Alps due to permafrost thaw, with ongoing monitoring by Météo-France and Irstea.^[31] Glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) represent another threat, where sudden releases of meltwater from ice- or moraine-dammed lakes have historically damaged farmland, homes, and bridges across one in five vulnerable sites in the European Alps.^[32] Climate change intensifies these hazards through accelerated glacier retreat and rising snowlines, altering the region's stability. Glaciers in the European Alps, including the High Alps, have experienced significant volume loss, with estimates indicating 20-40% reduction in recent decades and accelerating rates as of 2025 due to rising temperatures.^[33] This retreat contributes to permafrost thaw, as observed in the Massif des Écrins, where infiltrating meltwater accelerates ground instability.^[34] Snowline elevations have risen by approximately 114 meters since the early 1900s, shifting from around 2,980 meters above sea level in 1901-1930 to higher levels, which reduces snow cover duration and exacerbates erosion in upper climatic zones.^[35] Human-induced pressures compound these issues through pollution and overuse. Atmospheric deposition of nitrogen and acidic compounds from long-range transport affects high-altitude soils, causing nutrient enrichment and acidification that disrupts ecosystem balance in pristine alpine environments.^[36] Intense tourism, with millions of visitors engaging in hiking and skiing, leads to trail erosion and soil compaction, particularly on steep paths where uncontrolled foot traffic removes vegetation and increases landslide risks.^[37] Monitoring efforts are coordinated through international frameworks like the Alpine Convention, signed in 1991 by eight countries to promote transboundary protection and sustainable development in the Alps.^[38] This treaty facilitates data sharing on hazards and environmental changes, enabling early warning systems and joint research to address these challenges across borders.^[39]

Ecology

Plant Life

The plant life of the High Alps, encompassing elevations above the treeline roughly from 1,800 to over 3,500 meters, features specialized vegetation adapted to extreme conditions of cold, intense radiation, and short frost-free periods. These ecosystems host a diverse array of vascular plants, with approximately 4,500 species recorded across the European Alps, of which about 8%—around 400 species—are endemic to the region.^[40]^[41] This endemism highlights the High Alps as a key center of plant diversity in Europe, driven by isolated habitats and microclimatic variations.^[41] Vegetation in the High Alps is organized into distinct altitudinal zones, each supporting characteristic flora. The subalpine zone, extending up to about 2,200 meters, includes open forests dominated by larch (Larix decidua) and stone pine (Pinus cembra), which are well-suited to the transitional climate with deeper snow cover and longer growing periods compared to higher elevations.^[42] Above this, the alpine zone from approximately 2,200 to 3,000 meters consists of meadows rich in herbaceous perennials, such as edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum) and various gentians (Gentiana spp.), which thrive in nutrient-poor, rocky soils amid seasonal snowmelt.^[43] In the nival zone beyond 3,000 meters, vegetation shifts to sparse cushion-forming plants like saxifrages (Saxifraga spp.), which colonize gravel and rock crevices in a landscape often dominated by permanent snow and ice.^[44] Plants in these zones exhibit remarkable adaptations to withstand high winds, low temperatures, and nutrient scarcity. Many species, including endemics like the Swiss edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum), adopt dwarf or prostrate growth forms to minimize exposure to desiccating winds and reduce heat loss, while developing dense, hairy leaves or woolly coverings for insulation and UV protection.^[45] Deeper root systems, relative to plant size, enable access to moisture in rocky substrates and enhance anchorage against gale-force winds, a critical trait in exposed alpine and nival environments.^[46] These morphological and physiological strategies allow persistence in habitats where temperatures rarely exceed 10°C during the active season. Biodiversity in the High Alps faces pressures from land-use changes, including overgrazing by livestock, which has led to significant degradation of alpine grasslands and reduced plant cover in affected areas. In parts of the central Alps, long-term studies show that heavy grazing decreases species richness and alters community composition, particularly in subalpine and lower alpine meadows, contributing to erosion and loss of habitat for specialist flora.^[47] The growing season, typically lasting around 100 days from snowmelt in late spring to early autumn frost, constrains plant development and reproduction, with most species synchronizing explosive blooming in July and August to maximize pollination under optimal conditions.^[48] This brief window underscores the resilience of High Alpine flora, where rapid growth and seed set occur amid intense competition for light and pollinators. Within the Écrins National Park, which covers much of the department's high-elevation terrain, over 2,200 plant species have been recorded, including local endemics adapted to glacial and rocky habitats.^[49]

Animal Species

The High Alps host a diverse array of animal species adapted to extreme high-elevation conditions, including rocky terrains, alpine meadows, and snowfields above the treeline. These fauna are specialized for harsh environments, with many exhibiting behaviors like seasonal migrations or physiological adaptations to cold and low oxygen. Protected habitats such as national parks play a crucial role in their survival, though human infrastructure poses challenges to their movements.^[50] Among mammals, the Alpine ibex (Capra ibex) stands out as a flagship species, reintroduced starting in 1906 from Italy's Gran Paradiso National Park to Switzerland and other regions after near-extinction. As of 2024, the European Alpine ibex population is estimated at around 53,000 individuals, thriving on steep cliffs and high pastures where they graze on grasses and lichens.^[51] The chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra), a nimble goat-antelope, is widespread in the High Alps, often sharing habitats with ibex and using its agility to evade predators on rocky slopes. Alpine marmots (Marmota marmota), burrowing rodents introduced to some areas in the 18th-19th centuries, inhabit grassy meadows below 2,500 meters, emerging in summer to forage and hibernate through long winters.^[52]^[53] Birds dominate the avian fauna of the High Alps, with raptors and ground-nesters adapted to barren landscapes. The golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), one of Europe's largest birds of prey, nests on high cliffs and hunts marmots and chamois, with approximately 1,100 breeding pairs across the Alps as of recent estimates.^[54] The bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus), a rare scavenger specializing in bone consumption, was reintroduced to the Alps since the 1980s and numbers 316–419 individuals as of 2024, including 93 breeding pairs, primarily in protected areas.^[55] The alpine accentor (Prunella collaris) breeds on rocky slopes and alpine meadows above 1,800 meters, foraging for insects in small flocks during the short summer. The rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta helvetica), a grouse with seasonal plumage changes for camouflage in snow and rock, inhabits barren high-altitude zones above 2,000 meters, though populations are declining due to climate change and habitat loss.^[56]^[57] Insects, particularly butterflies, thrive in the nutrient-rich alpine meadows that provide nectar sources amid sparse vegetation. The European Alps support over 200 butterfly species, with diverse assemblages in subalpine and alpine zones, including specialists like the alpine heath (Coenonympha gardetta) that flutter in meadows up to 2,900 meters.^[58]^[59] Reptiles and amphibians are limited by the cold climate, confined mostly to lower high-alpine zones below 2,500 meters. The viviparous lizard (Zootoca vivipara) is the only reptile that reproduces live young, enabling survival in cooler, higher elevations where it basks on rocks and feeds on insects. The alpine newt (Ichthyosaura alpestris) inhabits ponds and streams in forested to subalpine areas, breeding in temporary waters and displaying vibrant black-and-orange patterns during courtship.^[60]^[61] Conservation efforts in the High Alps focus on protected areas like Écrins National Park, established in 1973, which safeguards key species such as ibex and chamois through hunting bans and habitat management, protecting over 350 vertebrate species across diverse ecosystems. However, migration patterns for birds and mammals are increasingly disrupted by barriers including roads, dams, and ski infrastructure, fragmenting habitats and hindering altitudinal movements essential for foraging and breeding.^[62]^[63]^[64]

Human Aspects

Historical Exploration

The exploration of the Hautes-Alpes began with ancient trade and military routes traversing its high passes, connecting the Mediterranean to northern regions. The Col de Montgenèvre, near Briançon, served as a key crossing since the Bronze Age and was improved by the Romans in the 1st century BCE for commerce and legions, facilitating the spread of Roman influence into Gaul.^[65] During the medieval period, these passes supported pilgrimage and trade; Briançon, fortified since the 12th century, became a vital hub on routes like the Via Domitia extension. The 19th century ushered in the golden age of alpinism in the Hautes-Alpes, focused on the Massif des Écrins. A pivotal milestone was the first ascent of the Barre des Écrins, the department's highest peak at 4,102 meters, on June 25, 1864, by British mountaineer Edward Whymper, guide Michel Croz, and companions Christian Almer and Franz Binner, after earlier attempts by locals.^[66] This feat, part of broader Alpine enthusiasm, highlighted the Écrins' challenging crystalline terrain and inspired systematic exploration. Local guides from Vallouise and Ailefroide played crucial roles, with figures like Pierre Gaspard advancing routes in the late 19th century. Key developments included mapping efforts; the French topographic service surveyed the Écrins in the 1860s, aiding climbers. By the early 20th century, most major peaks above 3,000 meters in the department had been ascended, with women like English climber Meta Brevoort completing traverses in the 1870s. These efforts transformed passes like Col d'Izoard into renowned routes, later immortalized in cycling history during the Tour de France since 1910.^[67] The 17th-century Vauban fortifications at Mont-Dauphin, a UNESCO site since 2008, reflect earlier military exploration of the terrain.^[68]

Cultural and Economic Role

The Hautes-Alpes preserve a rich cultural heritage blending Occitan traditions with Alpine folklore, evident in festivals like the Fête du Coutelas in Gap and storytelling in Briançon's old town. Transhumance, the seasonal herding of livestock to high pastures, remains a cornerstone of local identity, recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage in 2019 alongside Mediterranean practices; it sustains biodiversity and community ties in valleys like the Queyras.^[69] Fortified villages such as Mont-Dauphin showcase 17th-century military architecture by Vauban, symbolizing resilience against invasions.^[70] Economically, tourism dominates, with ski resorts like Serre Chevalier and Vars drawing over 2 million visitors annually for winter sports and summer hiking, contributing approximately €1.2 billion to the regional economy as of 2023.^[8] Agriculture emphasizes high-altitude pastoralism, producing cheeses like Bleu du Hautes-Alpes and supporting rural livelihoods. Hydroelectric power from Durance River dams generates about 20% of the department's energy needs, promoting renewable development.^[5] Conservation integrates with human activity through the Écrins National Park, established in 1973 and covering 927 km² in the department, protecting ecosystems while allowing sustainable tourism.^[6] The population density averages 25.5 inhabitants per km² as of 2022, with remote areas as low as 1-2 per km², reflecting seasonal migration patterns.^[1] Gap serves as the cultural and administrative center, while Briançon, Europe's highest town at 1,326 meters, hosts heritage events.

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(PDF) Geological outline of the Alps - ResearchGate
Aug 7, 2025 · The Austroalpine-Penninic wedge is the core of the collisional belt, a fossil subduction complex which floats on the European lower plate. It ...
[39]
(PDF) Flysch and Molasse of Western and Central Switzerland.
Apr 23, 2016 · Flysch and molasse are discussed in the light of alpine geodynamics. They are pre-collision and post-collision orogenic clastics which ...
[40]
Alpine metamorphism of the Central Alps - ResearchGate
Jul 25, 2025 · The Lepontine area of amphibolite facies grade shows a rather simple P-T distribution pattern. Temperature increases from 500 to 550 °C at ...
[41]
The haselgebirge in the Northern Calcareous Alps - ScienceDirect
Exposed in salt mines, rocksalt and mudrock form a two component tectonite: The rock type “haselgebirge” consists of 10–70 wt % halite with silt- to gravel- or ...
[42]
Mineral Resources - GeoSphere Austria
Primary raw materials such as iron ore, gravel, sand, clay, lithium or petroleum are extracted from the ground through mining as well as drilling and processed ...Kalksteinbruch. Jpg · Critical Raw Materials · Screenshot_iris. Jpg<|control11|><|separator|>
[43]
Zoning of pastures in Alps - European Wilderness Society -
Apr 19, 2023 · The Alps are often divided into three distinct zones based on altitude: the subalpine zone, the alpine zone, and the nival zone. The subalpine ...Missing: elevation | Show results with:elevation
[44]
Orographic Signature on Extreme Precipitation of Short Durations in
Feb 1, 2015 · On the contrary, leeward slopes are characterized by less amounts of annual mean precipitation (800–1200 mm yr−1; Frei and Schär 1998). These ...
[45]
(PDF) Prediction of Alpine Foehn from time series of GNSS ...
... wind speeds up to 100 km/h are common, and even40. up to 200 km/h gusts can be observed at high altitude stations. Foehn research denotes one of the major ...
[46]
1991–2020 climate normal in the European Alps: focus on high ...
Aug 16, 2023 · The results show that the mean annual values of minimum and maximum temperature for the 1991–2020 climate normal in the Alps are −2.4°C and 4.4° ...<|separator|>
[47]
The altitudinal temperature lapse rates applied to high elevation ...
Feb 14, 2017 · A reliable method to estimate air temperatures at high-elevation sites is to apply the altitudinal temperature lapse rates (ATLR).
[48]
Thermal valley inversion impact on the dispersion of a passive ...
At night, cold air transported by downslope breezes accumulates at the bottom of valleys, leading to a “cold air pool” favorable for elevated inversion ...
[49]
Spatial Analysis of Climate - 3pclim
Thus precipitation amounts decrease to around 60 to 180 mm along the main Alpine crest and north of it, 45 mm in the extreme case of the Upper Inn Valley.
[50]
All reported avalanche accidents in the current hydrological year
Research into avalanche formation, dynamics and protection is part of our remit. Our most important product is the avalanche bulletin.
[51]
Influence of permafrost degradation and glacier retreat on recent ...
Apr 27, 2025 · Rockfalls are significantly more common in areas affected by global warming. About 76% of the rockfalls occurred in permafrost areas, ...
[52]
The Hazards of Glacier Lake Outburst Floods - Risk Frontiers
Jul 21, 2022 · One in five sites in the European Alps has produced floods that have damaged farmland, destroyed homes and damaged bridges. Ten percent of sites ...
[53]
Swiss glaciers have shrunk by a quarter since 2015, study says
Oct 1, 2025 · Between 2015 and 2025 alone, the glaciers shed 24 percent of their volume, Wednesday's report said, compared to 10 percent between 1990 and 2000 ...
[54]
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2817&context=jrr
[55]
200 years of equilibrium-line altitude variability across the European ...
Dec 7, 2020 · Our reconstructions yielded an environmental ELA across the European Alps of 2980 m above sea level for the period 1901−1930, with a rise of 114 m in the ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[56]
Nitrogen atmospheric deposition in a high-altitude Alpine environment
Jul 1, 2024 · Long-range transport of atmospheric pollutants threatens the pristine high-elevation environments, highly sensitive to environmental changes ...
[57]
Assessment of Trail Erosion Under the Impact of Tourist Traffic in the ...
Trail erosion is a global issue, particularly in mountainous regions, that is largely driven by increased tourist flows and uncontrolled trampling.
[58]
Who we are | Alpconv - Alpine Convention
The Alpine Convention is leading the way for sustainable life in the Alps and is a pioneer of its kind as the first international treaty.Missing: monitoring | Show results with:monitoring
[59]
Convention on the Protection of the Alps | EUR-Lex - European Union
The aim of the Alpine Convention is the long-term protection of the natural ecosystem of the Alps and sustainable development in the area, as well as the ...Missing: environmental | Show results with:environmental
[60]
Alpine plant biodiversity
In the European Alps, for example, about 400 vascular plant species are endemic, representing about 8 % of the total number of vascular plant species.Missing: percentage | Show results with:percentage
[61]
[PDF] The European Alpine Seed Conservation and Research Network
The European Alps are home to nearly 4,500 taxa of vascular plants, and have been recognised as one of 24 centres of plant diversity in Europe. While species ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[62]
Climate Warming and the Recent Treeline Shift in the European Alps
The altitude with 100 days exceeding 5°C approximately fits the treeline position in the European Alps passing from 1850 m (peripheral regions) to 2200 m in the ...
[63]
Integrating demography and distribution modeling for the iconic ...
Aug 25, 2021 · Here, we focus on identifying the relative importance of climate and human disturbance for the persistence of edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum, ...
[64]
The nival zone - Naturpark Ötztal
The nival zone, found above 3000m, is characterized by vegetation (called associations) that lives on rocks and gravel with few areas of continuous meadow.
[65]
Alpine Plants - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
By developmental flexibility and morphological adaptation, alpine plants are able to make use of short favorable weather conditions, they sprout rapidly, ...
[66]
[PDF] ADAPTATIONS OF ARCTIC AND ALPINE PLANTS TO ...
In contrast, alpine plants possess roots that penetrate more deeply into the soil (Daubenmire 1941, Holch et al. 1941, Bliss 1956) for drainage is generally ...
[67]
Long-term effects of grazing on subalpine and alpine grasslands in ...
The effects of grazing exclusion on species diversity and functional diversity were analyzed along an elevation gradient from the subalpine (1960 m a.s.l.) ...Missing: percentage | Show results with:percentage<|separator|>
[68]
[PDF] A common soil temperature threshold for the upper limit of alpine ...
Similarly, plant cover decreased strongly below a growing season length of around 100 days (Fig. 2). The minimum growing season length allowing a vascular plant ...
[69]
Distribution, status, and recent population dynamics of Alpine ibex ...
... Second, is the case of the Alpine ibex (Capra ibex) which was reduced to a single population of ~ 100 individuals in a region of Northern Italy ...
[70]
[PDF] Population Genomics of the Alpine Ibex (Capra ibex) - ZORA
Furthermore in 1906, a reintroduction program began in the Swiss Alps that has since allowed Alpine ibex to re-colonise of much of the former Alpine range ...
[71]
Reintroduction of Alpine Ibex - Forschen | Handeln | Erhalten
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), today there are around 53,000 ibex living in the entire Alpine region. Some populations ...
[72]
Wildlife in the Alps - Gitzo
Of all the animal species found in the Alps, marmots, chamois and ibex are undoubtedly the most emblematic. They live at medium altitude, between forests ...
[73]
Alps Facts | Blog | Nature - PBS
Jan 20, 2021 · Geography: The Alps are the highest and most extensive mountain range system that lie in south-central Europe. The mountain range stretches.
[74]
https://alpsinluxury.com/blog/animals-in-the-alps/
[75]
A record number of young Bearded Vultures take flight in the Alps
Sep 12, 2025 · The Bearded Vulture population in the Alps has reached more than 100 breeding pairs and the highest number of fledglings recorded in one ...
[76]
EBG ~ Countries - European Butterflies Group
It is one of the butterfly hotspots of Europe with 216 species reliably recorded there (210 breeding species), including many species that are widespread in ...
[77]
Alpine Heath (Coenonympha gardetta) - iNaturalist
Coenonympha gardetta, the Alpine heath, is a butterfly species belonging to the family Nymphalidae. It can be in alpine meadows on heights of 800 to 2,900 ...
[78]
2019 - Herpsafari - amphibians and reptiles of Europe
... Viviparous Lizards (Zootoca vivipara). When we ventured down the ... Many Common Toads, Alpine Newts and Smooth Newts were seen in the cattle troughs.
[79]
Wildlife on the Tour du Mont Blanc: Reptiles and Amphibians
May 16, 2019 · Alpine newts (Triturus alpestris) are a bit easier to spot if you know where to look.<|separator|>
[80]
Gran Paradiso, the hunting reserve that saved the Ibex | IUCN
Oct 30, 2017 · The establishment of the Gran Paradiso National Park (GPNP) was linked to the protection of the Alpine Ibex (Capra ibex).Missing: migration barriers Alps
[81]
Threats to Alpine nature - | WWF
Major threats include habitat loss from settlements, unsustainable farming, road networks, river dams, traffic, and climate change, impacting biodiversity.
[82]
Biodiversity and Ecological Connectivity - Alparc
Additionally, populations become isolated as migration patterns are disrupted. Climate change is exacerbating this situation, putting many Alpine species at ...
[83]
History of The Great Saint Bernard - Association Grand St Bernard
History of the pass ... Long before Roman Legions had conquered the PenninePass” Great St. Bernard Pass, Roman merchants trading with the Gauls knew of it.
[84]
The Great St. Bernard Pass and Its Hospice - jstor
There are many Roman remains along the pass-route. Pieces of pavement, probably surviving from the first road built over the pass by the emperor CLAUDIUS toward ...Missing: BCE | Show results with:BCE
[85]
The Via Francigena in Valle d'Aosta: the heart of the Alps
Aug 6, 2025 · Spanning 3,200 km, the historic medieval itinerary crosses five countries (England, France, Switzerland, the Vatican City, and Italy), sixteen ...
[86]
The first ascent of Mont Blanc - Journals
Mont Blanc was first ascended by Dr Michel-Gabriel Paccard and Jacques Balmat on 8 August 1786. The news was carried by messenger from Chamonix to Geneva.
[87]
The Tragic Story of the First Ascent of the Matterhorn
Apr 27, 2017 · Surprisingly few of them died in the process of seeking to reach the top for glory, England and scientific advancement.
[88]
The first ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865 - The Guardian
Jul 14, 2015 · Lord Francis Douglas happening to slip caused Croz and Messrs. Haddo and Hudson to fall, also Tangevald, the father. The last of the party was ...
[89]
THE BIRTH OF ALPINISM - Climbing
Nov 2, 2009 · Twenty-seven year old Leslie Stephen became one of the charter members. Having finished Cambridge, he immediately followed his ambition to ...<|separator|>
[90]
The birth of modern cartography – Swiss National Museum
Nov 3, 2017 · Switzerland took the lead in map-making in the mid-19th century, when General Guillaume-Henri Dufour spearheaded a project in the canton of Geneva.
[91]
Pioneering work - Swisstopo
Jan 8, 2024 · Created in 1838, the “Topographic Office” published the sheets of the “Topographic Map of Switzerland” (Dufour Map) between 1845 and 1865.
[92]
One of the First Female Alpinists Was a Victorian Lady
Jul 31, 2018 · Lucy Walker was the first woman to summit the Matterhorn and the Eiger—in a billowing dress—but she nearly vanished from history.
[93]
https://houseofswitzerland.org/swissstories/history/william-tell-symbol-switzerland-known-throughout-world
[94]
William Tell: was the legendary Swiss hero a real person?
Jan 17, 2025 · William Tell inspired both the Swiss people to fight for independence and a world-famous opera. Yet the celebrated marksman was more myth than man.
[95]
From Alps to Mediterranean: UNESCO Recognizes the Shared ...
Dec 9, 2023 · Leading their herds on foot or horseback, accompanied by trusty dogs and sometimes families, they enact a ritual deeply connected to the land.
[96]
The story from the beginning to today - Transhumance
In the Alps, on the other hand, transhumance has survived as 'aestivation', or 'summer grazing' – a reduced form of nomadism in which herds periodically move ...
[97]
Melting Profits: The Ski Industry's Economic Impact & the Cost of its ...
Mar 18, 2025 · With an estimated €10 billion in annual turnover and 1,500,000 jobs dependent on the industry, skiing is the backbone of many European ...Missing: Zermatt | Show results with:Zermatt
[98]
Swiss hydropower prepares for future energy shortage - Swissinfo
Sep 16, 2022 · In 2021, the country generated 61.5% of its electricity from hydropower, 28.9% from nuclear energy, 1.9% from fossil fuels and 7.7% from other ...
[99]
Discover the Vanoise National Park - Val d'Isère
The Vanoise National Park stands out for its vast area of 535 km2, including numerous glaciers, endless valleys and incredible flora and fauna.
[100]
History of Chamonix
Feb 3, 2022 · The modern era of tourism in the 'Vallée de Chamouny' started in 1741 when two English explorers, William Windham and Richard Pocock ...