Download Word version

The Project Support Tab
The purpose of this section is to provide the material needed to draft research funding
applications to those who are interested in working in this field of study. These differents
documents on environments and areas of study in the Vaud Alps can be copied and used
without restriction as long as RECHALP is cited.
Climatology of the Vaud Alps
The region of the Vaud Alps covers an area of approximately 700 km2 with altitudes ranging
between 372 meters at Lake Geneva to 3,210 meters at the top of Diablerets. Because of its
location, this region is exposed an influx of humid air from west to north, as is the entire north
side of the Alps, which gives it a cool, damp climate, compared to that observed within that of
the more sheltered and sunny Alps in the central Valais.
The average annual temperature from 1981-2010 was around 10 - 11°C at Lake Geneva and
the Rhone Valley in the Chablais. 3°C at 2,000m above sea level and -3°C at 3,000m above
sea level. Average monthly temperatures range from 1.5°C for the coldest month (January)
and 20°C for the warmest month (July) in the lowlands. They range from -8.5°C and +4°C at
altitudes up to 3,000m above sea level. On the highest peaks of the Vaud Alps permafrost is
present throughout the year. Valley floors can accumulate cold air that can influence these
average temperatures, especially in winter.
The rainfall also varies greatly depending on the regional and local topography in the Vaud
Alps. It rains on average from 1000mm to 1300mm per year from around Lake Geneva to the
Rhone Valley in the Chablais. Whereas it can rain from around 2400mm per year on
exposed peaks as high as 3,000m above sea level. The rainfall pattern is semi-continental
with the highest average rainfall in the warm season in the form of storms. (Written in
collaboration with Prof. Jean-Michel Fallot.)
Economy of Vaud Alps
Vaud Alps are part of a cantonal territory that makes an 8% contribution to total Swiss
production. Vaud Alps has enjoyed, for a long time now, real pulling power, attracting foreign
as well as Swiss tourists, and its economy is largely based on activities linked directly or
indirectly to tourism. However, over the last few years, it has been faced with ever greater
challenges, linked notably to a strong franc, although Vaud Alps are managing better than
other mountain regions, thanks to the popularity of the Geneva lake region for business
tourism and congresses. (Drafted in collaboration with Prof. Délia Nilles)
Wildlife of the Vaud Alps
The region of Vaud Alps covers an area of about 700 km2, including the districts of the Pays
d'Enhaut, Aigle and part of the Riviera. All ecological zones including colline, mountain,
subalpine, alpine and nival (see Fig. 1) are represented in the Vaud Alps where the altitudinal
gradient ranges from 372m at the shores of lake Geneva to 3,210m at the top of Diablarets.
There is a wide range of diverse wildlife among all these ecological zones. How species are
distributed along the altitudinal gradient is directly associated with habitats they can occupy
at each zone. For example, for a species to live at a high altitude it needs to have a great
physical tolerance to cold. In the valleys, however, a species must be able to compete with
many other species. Factors that may affect how biodiversity is distributed along
environmental gradients are: 1.) the climate, e.g., temperature determines the amount of
energy available), 2.) spatial factors, such as the size of the study area, 3.) the evolutionary
history of species and 4.) biotic processes, such as competition or mutualism between
species.
1,974 of insect species, 34 arthropods, 166 molluscs, 15 amphibians, 14 reptiles, 64
mammals, and 26 fish were observed in the Vaud Alps. The most characteristic species in
the region are the alpine salamander in the Vallon de Nant, the golden eagle that flys over
the highest of peaks, the lynx, the common adder/viper, or the old world wallowtail and the
Apollo (butterfly). (Source: Swiss Centre for Wildlife Mapping)
In 2014, 153 species of birds were observed in the Vaud Alps (of which 142 were nesting).
Some of the most common species found in coniferous forests are the dunnock, the coal tit,
crested tit, goldcrest, the song thrush, the mistle thrush, the ring ouzel and the citril finch.
Other species typical of mountainous regions are: the black grouse, rock partridge, threetoed woodpeckers and the grey wagtail. Birds in the Hautes-Alpes, such as the water pipit,
alpine accenteur, the alpine chough and the white-winged snow finch, are also breeding
species of this area. The region of Grangettes, which is of great ornithological importance, is
the most important nesting wetland of Lake Geneva. The great crested grebe, black kite and
the green woodpecker are among 68 species that nest there. This area is an important
nesting site for the golden oriole, the common nightingale and reed warblers. (Source:
Vogelwarte & Birdlife) (Written in collaboration with Jean-Nicolas Pradervand)
Geology of the Vaud Alps
Several large tectonic units are present in the Vaud Alps. In the Vevey-Montreaux Riviera we
find the Subalpine Molasse. Further southwest, two large formations make up the rest of the
Vaud Alps, the Prealp nappes and the Helvetic nappes. These large formations can each be
subdivided into several nappes. For the Prealps there are: the plastic and rigid Median
Prealp nappes, the Niesen nappes, and the Simme, Brèche, and Gurnigel nappes, the
Submedian Zone, as well as a part of the Ultrahelvitic nappes. The Morcles, Diablarets,
Windhorn (Mt. Gond and Sublage) nappes, as well as the Ultrahelvitic nappes, themselves,
connect to the helvetic formations. The area is also covered with Quaternary deposits,
among others in the Rhone valley where alluvial deposits can be particulary thick. (Written in
collaboration with Professor Jean-Luc Epard.)
Taken from the section of the Alps, modified from Escher et al. 1994.
Geomorphology of the Vaud Alps
The geomorphology of the Vaud Alps is strongly linked to the local geology, with a very rich
diversity, and is linked to the diversity of the types of rocks and tectonic styles of the different
nappes. In the Prealps, the slopes are often steep and vegetated. Where there are massive
limestone deposits, the rock walls are often well developed. In these sectors, cones and
scree structures are abundant. Numerous landslides affect the slopes of flysch deposits (ie.
The Frasse) and moraine slopes. Alpine nappes, such as the Helvetic, develop very high
slopes alternating between rock walls and ledges.
The humidity of the climate of the Vaud Alps maintains a relatively low snow line, which
explains the presence of many small glaciers in the northern slopes of the Dent de MorclesGrand Muveran-Diablerets mountain range. The withdrawal of these glaciers since the end of
the Little Ice Age has exposed large proglacial fields demarcated by well-preserved moraines
such as the Martinets glaciers and the Plan Névé. Past extensions of these glaciers involve
vast tracts of Würm and Tardiglacaire moraine cover, as well as many tracks of Tardiglacaire
moraine particularly well-preserved in the massive Prealps, such as the high Veveyse,
Hongrin, Col des Mosses, the valleys of the Etivaz, and Forclaz.
Active periglacial forms like rock glaciers, are limited due to moderate altitudes and the
presence of glaciers at relatively low altitudes. However, the region has several large fossil
rock glaciers, such as in the north-west face of Mont d'Or or around the Gummfluh.
Torrential rainfall is very common where slopes are steep and there is significant sediment
load. The valleys of Etivaz, the south side of the Diablerets (Anzeindaz) and the Nant valley
are the areas where this phenomenon is most common. Large alluvial fans can be observed.
Moreover, the forms of fluvial accumulation are generally restricted because the valleys are
often very steep.
Karst forms are particularly well developed around the Tour de Famelon, with the presence
of a vast expanse of lapiés. Special karsts are observed in the gypsum Zone of Passes (the
passes of la Croix, of Pillon, and of Krinnenpass) and the Submedian Zone (La Lécherette).
(Written in collaboration with Dr. Christophe Lambiel & Prof. Philippe Schoeneich)
Hydrology of the Vaud Alps
The hydrology of the Vaud Alps is determined by: (1) their position within Europe, which
means that there are strong Atlantic influences upon the climate; (2) their altitudinal range,
which means that a significant proportion of winter precipitation can fall as snow; and (3) their
location on the north-west side of the main Swiss Alpine mountain chain, which can lead to
strong orographic forcing of precipitation. Because a significant proportion of winter
precipitation may fall as snow, river basin runoff is characteristically nival-pluvial. The
balance between winter snow storage with summer release and direct runoff depends
primarily upon the altitudinal range of the river basin which determines what percentage of
rainfall falls as snow as well as how long the snow cover remains. This balance is not simply
controlled by winter precipitation totals but also temperature, through its effect on the snow
stock of each river basin. But, characteristically, the hydrological response can be
summarized as: (1) for lower altitude basins (< c. 800 m), runoff generally follows
precipitation, although there may be occasional and temporary storage of precipitation as
snow; (2) for mid altitude basins (c. 800 m to c. 1,500m), there is commonly some winter
snow storage, with snow melt occurring in the early Spring; and (3) for higher altitude basins,
substantial snow storage may occur, with the peak snowmelt and hence runoff occurring in
the late spring. Note that these altitudes are indicative and that they will vary from year to
year with prevailing catchment conditions. They will also vary with the basin’s aspect.
Accumulated snow may be sufficient to maintain higher levels of base flow through the
summer in some catchments. Otherwise, summer river flows tend to be very low, but
impacted upon by occasional convective storm events. The highest basins may have very
small glaciers (typically much less than 5% of the basin area) which may also maintain
summer low flows. Groundwater contributions can also be important in sustaining base flows.
There is a strong human impact upon the hydrology of most of the region. Many of the basins
are exploited for hydroelectric purposes, although this is much less concerned with dams and
more associated with water transfers. Water is extracted, transferred at altitude through
tunnels, and then returned either to the same river or the river in an adjacent valley through
relatively small-scale hydroelectric power plants. Although there is relatively little in the way
of water storage, this kind of abstraction can change substantially the volume of water within
individual river channels as well lead to sediment management problems. (Written in
collaboration with Professor Stuart Lane.)
Soil of the Vaud Alps
The bedrock of the Vaud Alp region is mainly limestone, but shale, granite, and dolomite can
also be found. Different soil types are present, from deep brown soils, called Brunisols, to
brown leached soils called Neoluvisols. Fine soils resting directly on the substrate (lithosol)
are also observable. These last ones have a greater influence on the vegetation.
Alkaline soil formation is promoted by the presence of cation and carbonates. However, the
latter can be followed by a Pedogenesis acid following the leaching of carbonates. The postglacial loess accumulation in this region accelerates the transition to an acidic soil formation.
(Written in collaboration with Dr. Carmen Cianfrani & Aline Buri.)
History of medicine in the Vaud Alps
Any “medical take-off” to speak of in Vaud Alps occurred during the same period as the socalled “medicalisation of society” seen elsewhere in Europe. The latter includes the process
whereby doctors became members of a homogeneous professional body (following to unified
training in faculties of medicine), with authority over other categories of caregivers (such as
midwives and carers) who became marginalised or even banned to practice by law (this was
the fate of the vast but vague number of “healers”). This transformation was accompanied by
the organisation of a health system around the infirmary or hospital offering medical
treatment (Aigle, Château d’Oex, etc.), with the aim of meeting the needs of the entire
population, which began at the end of the 19th century and continued until the present time.
However, a regional peculiarity had a spectacular impact on the medical history of Vaud
Alps: the exploitation of specific geo-climatic factors. Indeed, through a societal and cultural
movement of great amplitude, medical science began to consider, from the second half of
the 19th century, the air at a high altitude and, more generally, the Alpine environment, to be
strong therapeutic agents, active against all types of illnesses and, more particularly,
tuberculosis. This vast movement was to make Vaud Alps, and Leysin in particular, the place
of a veritable health industry, orchestrated by developers, entrepreneurs and renowned
doctors, such as August Rollier, known worldwide for his heliotherapy methods. Between the
end of the century and the 1960s, the ill came in large numbers (there could be several
thousands staying there at one time) to the mountains for often long-term treatment in
sanatoriums, large establishments or small clinics, which, in addition to being places of
treatment and scientific teaching, constituted, one could say, a veritable “economic lung” for
the region.
This golden age of sanatorium medicine was interrupted rather brutally in the 1950s by the
arrival of other therapeutic methods and modes. Conversion was not easy. Some
establishments pursued their medical vocation in other forms, others were taken over for use
in the tourist industry or teaching establishments, some were destroyed or fell slowly into
decay. Medicine, a crucial agent in the economic development and social transformation in
Vaud Alps, thus continues to mark the architecture of the buildings, the urban fabric, even
the territory and, over and above this, the natural and cultural history of Vaud Alps. (Drafted
in collaboration with Prof. Vincent Barras)
Vegetation and ecological environments of the Vaud Alps
The region of Vaud Alps covers an area of about 700 km2, including the districts of the Pays
d'Enhaut, Aigle and part of the Riviera. All ecological zones including colline, mountain,
subalpine, alpine and nival (see Fig. 1) are represented in the Vaud Alps where the altitudinal
gradient ranges from 372m at the shores of lake Geneva and 3,210m at the top of
Diablarets. The eight main groups of Swiss environments according to Delarze & Gonseth
(2008) are present in the Vaud Alps; these are: 1.) open waters, 2.) shores and wetlands, 3.)
glaciers, exposed rock, scree and moraines, 4.) lawns and meadows, 5.) moors, forest edges
and tall-herbs, 6.) forests, 7.) newgrowth vegetation in places disturbed by Man, and 8.)
plantations, fields and crops.
In lower altitudes deciduous forests, mainly beech and some oaks in the hotter regions, are
found alongside manmade environments like vineyards, meadows, farmland, and buildings.
Forests in the middle altitudes are composed naturally of beech and fir, even if forest workers
try to promote spruces. Here, the farm is still important with many meadows and pastures.
Further up, the spruce forests dominate usually forming the boundary of the forest. There,
larch and stone pine are also present. Rhododendron moorlands are common in seldom
grazed areas around the boundary of the forest, and green alder bushes colonize abandoned
pastures. Higher above that, the alpine zone mainly occupied by alpine meadows
interspersed with wide scree and exposed rocky surfaces. (Written in collaboration with Dr.
Pascal Vittoz.)