Glacier Instabilities Identification and Monitoring: Case Studies in the Alps

Abstract

Monitoring glacier instability is essential for assessing geo-hydrological hazards in mountain regions. This study reviews monitoring systems based on measurement type and data acquisition frequency, emphasizing their role in early warning. Instruments range from single-measurement and multi-temporal methods to near-real-time and real-time networks. Combining topographic, geophysical, and meteorological monitoring enhances reliability through redundancy and cross-validation. Low-cost technologies, including open-access satellite data, webcams, drones, and Raspberry-Pi systems, expand spatial coverage at reduced costs. Integrated, multi-sensor networks represent a scalable and cost-effective approach to detecting instability and improving risk management in rapidly changing alpine environments.