Rock glaciers as groundwater storages in alpine catchments and their impact on downstream river systems with regard to climate change

The aim of this research project is the identification of ground water formation in the various meteorological conditions in the Austrian Alps and to investigate climate-induced changes related to the ground water formation. Emphasis is further on quantifying water reserves stored in intact rock glaciers as permafrost based ground water. The level of knowledge concerning the impact of the climate change on the alpine permafrost will be significantly enhanced thereby.