This study investigates elevation-dependent warming (EDW) in the Alps, focusing on Berchtesgaden National Park, Germany, to provide insights into the drivers of warming patterns and their spatial variability. EDW, a key aspect of Elevation-Dependent Climate Change (EDCC), describes variations in warming trends with altitude, often leading to amplified warming at higher elevations. This phenomenon has critical implications for mountainous and downstream ecosystems and water resources. While mechanisms such as snow-albedo feedbacks and the increased sensitivity of cold, dry regions to climate change are well-documented, the roles of soil interactions and topography remain underexplored.
Our research integrates high-resolution spatial data with long-term temperature records to examine how these factors influence EDW. Using data from HISTALP, a homogenized observational dataset for the Greater Alpine Region, we analyze the relationship between warming trends and topographic features. Within Berchtesgaden National Park, 23 long-term meteorological stations provide climate data, complemented by three temporary stations spanning altitudes from 625 to 1930 m, which monitor surface energy balance components to capture fine-scale variations.
Preliminary findings indicate that EDW is influenced by factors beyond altitude. Historical records (1910–2010) show significant warming trends across elevations (0.4–2.4 K per century) in the Greater Alpine Region, with higher altitudes generally experiencing stronger warming – except in winter, when mid-elevation bands (500–1000 m) warm the most. Slope orientation plays a crucial role, with north-facing slopes exhibiting amplified trends.
Ground heat flux analysis reveals spatial variations likely driven by soil depth and moisture retention. Ongoing research integrates these observational insights with simulations from the GEOtop hydrological model to provide a spatially refined understanding of the surface energy balance and its role in EDW.