Rock slide on the Zugspitze: Scientists are investigating the causes

After the rockslide on Germany's highest mountain Zugspitze, scientists are investigating the immediate causes. To this end, scientific drone flights started on Friday from the Chair of Slope Movement at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). With data from infrared cameras, the researchers hope to be able to better estimate the surface temperature in the rock, as the spokeswoman for the Schneefernerhaus environmental research station, Laura Schmidt, reported.

Second warmest summer since 2003

This could allow conclusions to be drawn about the permafrost in the affected area. “It is reasonable to assume that the warm temperatures this summer may be related to the rock fall,” said Schmidt. However, the data still needs to be evaluated. It was a record-breaking summer - the second warmest after 2003 since records began more than 100 years ago. There were also various rock falls in 2003, including on the Matterhorn.

Impressive cloud of dust

The rock fall on the 2,962 meter high Zugspitze occurred on Tuesday in inaccessible terrain and continued throughout the day. It stirred up an impressive cloud of dust that was visible from afar. No buildings or infrastructure were damaged. No one was injured and there are no official paths in the area. On Wednesday, even smaller crashes followed, which once again kicked up clouds of dust that were visible from afar.

The demolition site was at an altitude of around 2,800 meters. At this altitude, the ground is sometimes permanently frozen. The frost holds the rock together. If this “glue” is missing, the mountains crumble apart - a phenomenon that can be observed across the Alps at higher altitudes. It also has an impact on mountain sports. Many routes have become more dangerous or even inaccessible due to melting glaciers and increasing rockfall.