Seminar by: Bernd Etzelmüller, GeoHyd, University of Oslo:
Rapid cryospheric change in Jotunheimen: Observations, geohazards, education, and implications for tourism and mountain rescue
Abstract: The cryosphere in Jotunheimen, central southern Norway, is undergoing rapid changes as a consequence of global climate change. The Department of Geosciences at the University of Oslo has been involved in two major research projects addressing these developments, in collaboration with the Norwegian Mountain Center (Norsk Fjellsenter), NVE, MET Norway, the University of Bergen, and the Natural History Museum at the University of Oslo.
The first project, Fjellviten, funded by Sparebankstiftelsen, investigates changes in glaciers, perennial snow and ice, alpine biodiversity, and mountain permafrost in one of Norway’s most iconic high-mountain regions. The project combines long-term scientific monitoring with educational and outreach activities coordinated through Norsk Fjellsenter and local partners. This presentation will showcase the project’s research activities and provide an overview of the digital educational platform developed by the Fjellsenter, which communicates these environmental changes to the public and supports school education.
The second project, Climate Risk in Jotunheimen, is a regional research initiative funded by the Research Council of Norway (RCN). It examines how cryospheric changes influence slope instability and natural hazards, thereby affecting hiking trails, mountaineering routes, and other infrastructure in the region. The project also investigates trends in the frequency and nature of mountain rescue operations in Jotunheimen, as well as how these changes are perceived by tourists, local stakeholders, and land managers.
Together, these projects contribute to a better understanding of how climate-driven changes in the mountain cryosphere affect both natural processes and human activities, while also supporting effective communication, education, and adaptation efforts.
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The GeoHyd seminars are normally held in Auditorium 2 in the Geology Building, Blindern (map). It is sometimes possible to follow a seminar on Zoom, and a videolink to the lectures will in that case be sent to the e-mail list geohyd-info@geo and geohyd-alle@geo. If you would like to subscribe to the geohyd-info@geo mailing list, please send an email to Anita Sørlie.
About the seminar series
The talks in GeoHyd Lunch Seminar Series are offered by the Section for Geography and Hydrology (GeoHyd), Dept. of Geosciences, University of Oslo. The seminars are announced as lunch seminars so bring your lunch if you want to.
The seminars are open for everyone interested, and especially students are welcome!
The GeoHyd Lunch Seminar Team
– Regine, Andi and Anita