Earth Surface Dynamics
Earth Surface Dynamics
ESurf
Articles | Volume 13, issue 6
Articles | Volume 13, issue 6
https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-13-1157-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-13-1157-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Articles | Volume 13, issue 6
Research article
 | Highlight paper
 | 
12 Nov 2025
Research article | Highlight paper |  | 12 Nov 2025

Progressive destabilization of a freestanding rock pillar in permafrost on the Matterhorn (Swiss Alps): Hydro-mechanical modeling and analysis

Samuel Weber, Jan Beutel, Michael Dietze, Alexander Bast, Robert Kenner, Marcia Phillips, Johannes Leinauer, Simon Mühlbauer, Felix Pfluger, and Michael Krautblatter

Supplement

https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-13-1157-2025-supplement

Data sets

In-situ measurements in steep bedrock permafrost in an Alpine environment on the Matterhorn Hörnligrat, Zermatt Switzerland Samuel Weber and Jan Beutel https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.983718

Matterhorn Cryosphere Observatory, Switzerland UIBK and WSL/SLF https://doi.org/10.12686/SED/NETWORKS/1I

IMIS measuring network Intercantonal Measurement and Information System IMIS https://doi.org/10.16904/envidat.406

Video supplement

Collapse of a freestanding rock pillar at Matterhorn Hörnligrat: daily high-resolution images show kinematic precursor Samuel Weber https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13643168

Video abstract

Progressive destabilization of a freestanding rock pillar in permafrost on the Matterhorn (Swiss Alps): Hydro-mechanical modeling and analysis Samuel Weber et al. https://doi.org/10.5446/71774

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Editor
Using the enigmatic peak of the Matterhorn, this work nicely illustrates how anthropogenic climate warming is changing the face of our mountains. Warming permafrost and changing rock-strength destabilizes rock-mass and results in rockfall that poses serious hazards for adjacent valleys.
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Short summary
On 13 June 2023, a freestanding rock pillar on the Matterhorn collapsed after years of weakening. Our study examines this progressive destabilization by analyzing field data and integrating lab experiments into a hydro-mechanical model. We highlight the critical role of water infiltration into frozen rock, intensified by climate warming, as a widespread driver of the rising frequency of rockfalls in high mountain permafrost regions.
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