Mountain Torrents and Mass Movements ¶

Head: Dr. Alexandre Badoux

The research group Mountain Torrents and Mass Movements studies processes in river channels and interactions between steep channels and lateral slopes in torrent catchments. The main topics of investigation are bed load initiation and driftwood formation, bed load and driftwood or deadwood transport, debris flow dynamics, channel bed and surface erosion as well as shallow landslides and hillslope debris flows. The research group aims to investigate the initiation, movement and deposition processes of these geophysical phenomena and to develop the basis for their modelling. Process analyses are important prerequisites for modelling, hazard assessment and the planning of protective measures. Regarding the latter, eco engineering stabilisation methods, especially modelling and quantification of vegetation effects on natural hazards, are of prime interest. Research is based on field and laboratory tests, data analyses, and physically-based modelling. In addition to from long-term monitoring stations (e.g. Alptal und Illgraben), specially-selected study areas are investigated. The research group is involved in other WSL projects and programmes and in national and international research projects. The collaborators participate in teaching at the university level and maintain close contact with professionals and agencies engaged in natural hazards.