Excursion to a landslide close to Obergurgl

The Tyrolean Alps are characterized by complex geological formations and dynamic geomorphological processes, making them susceptible to various natural hazards, including landslides. This excursion offers participants an opportunity to explore both active and historical landslide sites, providing insights into the factors contributing to slope instability and the measures implemented for hazard mitigation.

Participants will visit sites where recent landslides have occurred, observing the aftermath and ongoing stabilization efforts. Additionally, the excursion will include locations of historical landslides, discussing their impact on local communities and the evolution of geotechnical practices over time.

We are going to visit a site close to Obergurgl, which is called Hochgurl that is situated on the eastern side of the valley where satelite data shows creeping movements of the hillside. On the opposite site of the valley, there is a landslide affecting the gallery of the road. During previous summer schools, laserscan images where taken from that area. We are going to apply some common field experiments, e.d. the Schmidt-hammer and sieve-analysis.