Construction, environmental problems and natural hazards in periglacial mountain belts

Abstract Experience with man‐induced permafrost problems in periglacial mountains has increased during recent years. Such problems can be local, as in the case of building foundations on ice‐bearing ground, or can affect larger areas, as in the case of ski‐run preparation on perennially and seasonally frozen ground. The most severe natural hazard concerns the destabilization, erosion and displacement by debris flows of loose, non‐frozen material or weak bedrock on steep slopes. Such flows often take place as a consequence of glacier retreat or permafrost degradation and relate to atmospheric warming, which may continue or even accelerate in the future. The greatest drawback in man's behaviour with respect to these problems remains the ignorance of mountain permafrost. This probably originates from the fact that permafrost is not directly visible and, hence, is often not considered in the planning stage. The most important progress with respect to construction technology, environment protection and hazard mitigation in periglacial mountain belts can be achieved by improving communication and sharing of experience among scientists and technicians.