GLOBAL warming could have serious consequences for resorts and villages in
European mountain ranges, says Charles Harris of Cardiff University. Data from
boreholes suggests ground temperatures have increased by up to 2 掳C over the
past century, he told a meeting of the Royal Geographical Society last week.
This could lead to deeper melting of the permafrost each year, making mudslides
and rock falls larger and more frequent.
In the longer term, the permafrost could melt completely in certain places.
鈥淲here it plays a major role in holding slopes together, this could destabilise
fairly large masses,鈥� says Harris. He is leading a project called
PACE鈥擯ermafrost and Climate in Europe鈥攖o identify those areas at
risk.