Assessment of Glacier and Permafrost Hazards in Mountain Regions
Hazards relating to glaciers and permafrost occur in most mountain regions of the world and are a threat to lives, livelihoods, and sustainable development within some of the world’s most vulnerable communities. In view of rapid global warming and related changes in the sensitive mountain cryosphere, landscapes are evolving and new threats are emerging. Coupled with the ongoing expansion of people and their infrastructure into high mountain valleys there is an increasing potential for societal losses and far-reaching disasters. Recognising the need for a structured and comprehensive approach to hazard assessment underpinned by latest scientific understanding, the Joint Standing Group on Glacier and Permafrost Hazards in High Mountains (GAPHAZ) of the International Association of Cryospheric Sciences (IACS) and the International Permafrost Association (IPA) has produced this technical guidance document as a resource for international and national agencies, responsible authorities and private companies. The work has been substantially supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) through the Glaciares+ Project.
