Michael Krautblatter

Prof. Michael Krautblatter is a Professor of Engineering Geology at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), leading the Chair of Landslide Research. He specializes in analyzing, monitoring, and early warning systems for slope movements, with a focus on permafrost degradation in alpine regions and its implications for rock instability. His work integrates field, laboratory, and modeling approaches, addressing climate change impacts on natural hazards.

Education:

• PhD (Summa cum Laude), University of Bonn, 2009 (Permafrost Change Detection)
• Magister in Geography and Geology, University of Erlangen, 2004
• Studies at Universities of Passau, Durham (UK), and Erlangen.

Research Focus: Permafrost dynamics in rock walls, rockfall magnitude/frequency, landslide prediction, and climate change adaptation. Key projects include monitoring the Zugspitze permafrost, cryospheric processes in Norway (CryoWall), and Arctic thaw slump analysis.

Publications: Over 50 peer-reviewed articles, emphasizing geophysical methods (ERT, seismics), mechanical modeling, and climate-hazard linkages. Recent work explores hyperconcentrated flows, secondary lahars, and subsurface hydrology in permafrost regions.

Awards & Recognition:

• Multiple teaching awards (TUM, Bavarian Ministry)
• Leadership roles in international organizations (GAPHAZ, IPA)
• Media engagement on alpine hazards and climate change.

Labs & Teams: Leads the TUM Slope Movements Lab, collaborating with global partners on projects like the Virtual Alpine Observatory (VAO) and cryospheric hazard networks. Supervises a team of postdocs and PhD students researching permafrost, landslides, and geotechnical monitoring.