Abstract ID: 3.13074 | Accepted as Talk | Talk | TBA | TBA

The European Alps are undergoing profound transformations due to climate change, with significant implications for their cryosphere, hydrology, and ecosystems. This master’s thesis project will provide a comprehensive review of how the German and Austrian Alps have changed across different elevation zones in response to climatic shifts, focusing on insights derived from remote sensing methodologies. By running this project in cooperation with the German Aerospace Center and the German Alpine Club results will directly influence decisions on the German Alpine recreational planning. By synthesizing existing scientific literature, the study examines key trends in glacier retreat, snow cover dynamics, vegetation shifts, and hydrological changes. Special attention is given to the role of satellite-based observations in quantifying these transformations at various spatial and temporal scales.
Based on this comprehensive theoretical review, a detailed case study will examine the water availability at Neue Prager Hütte, a high-alpine hut which has struggled with water access in late summer over the past years. Special interest lies on the seasonal and long-term variability of its primary water source – a connecting snowfield. Using remote sensing data combined with in-situ observations, the study will assess snow persistence and meltwater contribution. This localized analysis provides an example of how broader alpine climate trends translate into impacts on local water resources. Contributing to a deeper understanding of alpine climate change effects across elevation gradients this study highlights the critical role of remote sensing in monitoring and predicting future changes.