Mountain Torrents

The research group „Torrents, Erosion and Landslides” studies processes in open channels and interactions between steep channels and lateral slopes in torrent catchments. The main topics of comprehensive analyses are bed load and deadwood formation, bed load and deadwood transport, channel and surface erosion as well as superficial landslides. Detailed research of the processes provides the necessary basics for hazard mapping and planning and design of mitigating measures. Regarding the latter, eco engineering stabilisation methods and, particularly, modelling and quantification of vegetation covers are of prime interest. Research is based on field and laboratory tests, data analyses, and mechanical modelling. Apart from permanent monitoring stations (e.g. Alptal), specially selected study areas are investigated.

The research results aim to provide improved methods for hazard assessment and planning of sustainable and environmentally compatible slope stabilisation methods.

The research group is involved in different WSL projects and programmes and also in national and international research projects (more information). It takes an active part in teaching at university level and keeps close contacts with professionals and agencies engaged in natural hazards.

Main research fields

• Fluvial processes in mountain streams
  contact: Dieter Rickenmann, Jens Turowski
• Shallow landslides
  contact: Christian Rickli
• Eco engineering systems in torrent control and slope stabilisation
  contact: Christian Rickli
• Long-term bedload observations
  contact: Dieter Rickenmann, Jens Turowski, Alexandre Badoux

Research station Sion

• Website in french
  contact: Mélanie Raymond, Alexandre Badoux