On Tuesday from 9:00am to 10:00am we listened to the lesson of Prof. Michele Freppaz, professor of the University of Turin from the department of agricultural, forestry and food sciences and a specialist in soil and snow science.
He spoke about cryosphere basics, which includes all frozen water on Earth, which is highly sensitive to climate change. The glaciers, the snow covered mountains and the permafrost is turns the Alps into a critical region for studying climate impacts.
Permafrost:
- Stabilizes mountain rocks; melting can cause rockfalls;
- Found at high elevations (>2500m) but also in unique low-elevation microclimates (e.g., “chimney effect” areas)
- Creates unique landscapes like “sorted circles” and supports slow-growing “dwarf forests.”;
Snow and Glaciers:
- Snow accumulates above the “equilibrium line” and transforms into glacier ice over 5–10 years;
- Glaciers are archives of past climates, preserving atmospheric and environmental data;
- Climate Vulnerability: Snow and ice respond rapidly to temperature changes and that is why snow and ice are indicators of global warming.
Here is a summary of the lecture:
Final Thoughts: A Step Toward a Sustainable Future
The lecture by Prof. Freppaz was a reminder that climate change is not a distant threat – it is unfolding before our eyes, particularly in fragile mountain environments. By studying the cryosphere, students gain not only scientific knowledge but also the tools to become informed advocates for environmental stewardship.
As future scientists, policymakers, educators, or concerned citizens, students are encouraged to:
- Stay curious and continue exploring the intricate relationships between climate, geography, and human activity.
- Take action by supporting or initiating projects that promote sustainability and resilience in mountain regions.
- Share knowledge with peers and communities, amplifying the urgency of addressing climate change.
The Alps — and mountain regions worldwide — are more than just landscapes; they are living laboratories that teach us about the past, present, and future of our planet. Let’s use this knowledge to protect and preserve them for generations to come.
