An Alpine valley, where the future comes into view

With barely 650 millimeters of annual precipitation, this secluded side valley in South Tyrol’s Venosta/Vinschgau Valley is one of the Alps’ driest landscapes. Its dryness turns it into a preview of the future, revealing changes that other mountain regions have yet to experience.

The climate and ecosystems of the Val di Mazia/Matschertal have been the focus of scientific research since 2008, and in 2014 the valley became part of the international Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) network. For the first time, the new website makes this extensive body of work publicly accessible. Visitors are invited to explore a range of habitats along an altitudinal gradient from 1,100 to 2,700 m – from species-rich meadows and forests to dry pastures and glacier forefields.

Real-time weather data, clear descriptions of the research methods and key findings are available for each measuring station. Measurements include air temperature, soil moisture, snow depth, biodiversity and land use – from settlement areas to high altitudes. Background information on the history of the research site and further scientific publications complement the site.

The trilingual website is aimed at anyone interested in ecology, alpine habitats and the future of the Alps.

Link to the ‘Open Air Laboratory’ website: https://openlab.eurac.edu/en