Glaciers represent an important fresh water resource. The existence of the glaciers depends strongly on prevailing climatic conditions. The Commission for Glaciology of the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities (Bayerische Akademie der Wissenschaften, BAdW) in Munich investigates the connection between climate, glacier behaviour und water balance. This work is based on the following disciplines:

The research work is mainly based on

Among other things the research work provides valuable information for water management, hydro-power production and tourism. It also allows the verification of climatic trends and an estimation of climate impact.

The investigations of the KfG are carried out primarily at the Vernagtferner in the Ötztal Alps. However, the commission is also involved in several projects in the Bavarian Alps and in worldwide activities (Central Asia, Himalayas, Antarctica etc.). Details are available at the pages of this website (partly in german only) or as an overview from a flyer in german language, which was produced as information to the EXPO 2000 and may downloaded as a PDF-file.

The basic research programme "Glacier Research" of the CfG is a contribution within the framework of the "Programme of the Academies" of the Bavarian Academie of Sciences and Humanities. More details are shown on the following poster.