Data collection now comprises mostly the last decade or so, including regional research on rock glaciers, permafrost distribution, degradation and modelling. Prospecting methods reach from geophysical prospecting to measurement of the Temperature at the base of the snow cover (BTS), to a network of instrumented permafrost boreholes, established between 1998 and 2001 (European Union "Permafrost and Climate in Europe")
The long term data indicate a recent warming, with greatest increase of temperature at higher latitudes. Shorter-term climatic variations have also an impact, especially on the dynamic of the active layer.

It´s important to understand the variables that control the distribution of permafrost, to develop better models and simulations, for example moisture can effect the thermal conductivity of the underground, or snow cover thickness and duration prevents the cooling of the soil. The ground-temperature in the European mountains is only a few degrees below 0°, a increase, even by only 1-2°C, can affect the presence of ground ice between the rocks.

Most effort is taken in the development of regionally calibrated models - and the potential impact of climate change on rock weathering, permafrost creep, landslides, rock falls, debris flows and slow mass movements.

HARRIS, C. et al. (2009): Permafrost and climate in Europe: Monitoring and modelling thermal, geomorphological and geotechnical responses, Earth Science Reviews (accepted manuscript).