There’s a million and one reasons we should be acutely aware of climate change and the thought of melting permafrost in mountains causing instability leading to landslides is one that hits close to home. As they say, “what gets measured gets managed” and thankfully the folks from the Federal Research Institute WSL in Switzerland have deployed field teams to monitor permafrost using a variety of techniques including a collapsible electronic-magnetometer that detects telltale signs of melt through mineral signatures.

Francis Xavier is a seasoned writer for Unofficial Networks, bringing a lifetime of outdoor experience to his work. Having lived in a ski resort town for years he has a deep connection to mountain culture.... More by Francis Xavier