WSL
Internet glass fibers measure vibrations in the Brienz rockslide
Research
WSL
When the Brienz rockslide rumbled down into the valley in 2023, a research team from WSL and ETH Zurich successfully measured the tremors using a new method. It uses existing internet fiber optic cables and is therefore very promising for the large-scale monitoring of earthquakes, avalanches, and rock movements.
Rock boccia on the slope
Research
WSL
SLF researchers are investigating how artificial stones move on rough ground in order to improve hazard indication maps.
Happy research
Research
WSL
The SLF is researching permafrost and snow in Bhutan at an altitude of over 5000 meters and, together with the local population, is developing measures to reduce climate-related risks in the mountains. The Swiss National Science Foundation is funding the Cryo-Spirit project.
More than 1300 tree species live in cities: are they gateways for forest pests?
Research
WSL
There are more than 1300 tree species in Swiss cities, while our forests are home to only 76, according to a study by the WSL. This means that introduced forest pests or diseases also find significantly more potential hosts in cities – and could spread from there into the forests.
Lasers for more road safety
Research
WSL
This winter, the SLF tested a new system to better assess the risk of avalanches to traffic routes. The results are promising and should allow roads and railroad lines to be closed for shorter periods of time in the future when conditions are tight.
European forest monitoring proposal criticised
Politics
WSL
The European Commission is planning to monitor forests more closely, combining data from the ground and from the air. However, its proposal ignores important existing resources, criticise forest researchers from all over Europe in an opinion piece in "Forest Ecology and Management".
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