Michael Lehning

Prof. Dr. Michael Lehning serves as a joint professor for Cryospheric Sciences and Snow Processes at the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL) and École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), leading the CRYOS laboratory in Lausanne and the "Snow Processes" group at SLF Davos. His academic foundation spans Environmental Sciences and Atmospheric Physics with degrees from the University of Bayreuth and the University of California.

Lehning's research expertise centers on cryospheric dynamics, specializing in snow mechanics, snow-atmosphere interactions, and environmental physics. His work integrates field measurements with advanced modeling to investigate cornice formation, snow metamorphism through isotopic tracers, urban climate responses, and alpine energy systems. Key methodologies include high-resolution atmospheric modeling in complex terrain and hydrological impact assessments of snow processes.

Recent publications (2024) reveal a pronounced focus on process-level snow dynamics across multiple scales—from particle motion in cornices to continental-scale photovoltaic efficiency gains in alpine regions. His research demonstrates increasing integration of cryospheric science with urban climatology, renewable energy optimization, and hydrological forecasting, particularly through innovative applications of stable isotopes and dynamical downscaling techniques.

Lehning directs the CRYOS laboratory at EPFL and the "Snow Processes" group at SLF Davos, maintaining extensive field operations in the Swiss Alps. These teams conduct interdisciplinary research bridging glaciology, meteorology, and environmental engineering, with strong emphasis on practical applications for avalanche prediction, water resource management, and climate adaptation strategies in mountainous regions.