Author(s): F. Schoberl; H. Schonlaub
Linked Author(s): Friedrich Schöberl
Keywords: Centre of management; Natural hazards; Flood defence; Interdisciplinary approaches; Global change; Data acquisition; Modelling; Risk analysis
Abstract: In mountain areas human spheres like settlements and utilised areas are inherently threatened by a variety of natural hazard. In the last decades, due to economic wealth, regions of conflict have expanded at growing rate. To improve methods of defence and to develop appropriate strategies counteracting successfully negative trends a management centre of natural hazard has been installed in Innsbruck/Austria as a new integrative research institution. The main goal is to create a basis for sustainable preservation and development of the alpine region by well-organised handling of hazards. Pillars of the centre are university institutes, private companies and public authorities working together as cooperated partners in a trans-and interdisciplinary range of projects. Research and development are carried out in three project areas, which are linked structurally and operationally. The research fields cover issues of data acquisition and modelling, hazard mitigation and protections measures as well as socio-economic risk analysis: Exemplary two current projects dealing with flood forecasting and the assessment of mass balances of alpine catchments are shortly described.
Year: 2003