Environment

On Wednesday, the glacier known as Birchgletscher collapsed under the weight of rock and debris from rock avalanches on Kleines Nesthorn. In a factsheet, ETH researchers explain the background to the catastrophic collapse that buried the village of Blatten.

Tyre abrasion gets from the road into adjacent soils and affects soil organisms. A joint study by the Ecotox Centre, the aquatic research institute Eawag and the EPFL now shows that earthworms avoid soil that is heavily contaminated with tyre particles. However, the particles had no negative effects on the survival and reproduction of the animals.

Climate change is changing the Alps: after the snow melts, plants in meadows and pastures are sprouting earlier and earlier. This affects biodiversity, agriculture and the ecological balance in the mountains. SLF biologist Michael Zehnder has scientifically documented this trend drawing on data spanning 25 years.

Hidden beneath the Antarctic ice lies a system of lakes and watercourses. An research team, including ETH researchers, has for the first time directly observed the subglacial streams of West Antarctica. Their study shows how individual flood events influence the melting of the ice.

The diversity of whitefish species in Swiss lakes is unique and plays a central role in lake ecosystems. A comprehensive Eawag report now summarises the results of 150 years of research on these fish. They make it clear that the mechanisms and environmental conditions that have contributed to their development must be taken into account in order to preserve this species diversity. Last but not least, protecting whitefish diversity helps to preserve the natural yield potential of lakes as a source of food for humans.

To contain the spread of the invasive quagga mussel, Eawag researchers recommend swift action based on comprehensive prevention, early detection and containment.