1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites
Live TV
Latest audioLatest videos
In focus
Russia's war in UkraineIsrael-Hamas warIndia elections

Sensitive - Researchers study mountain flora

Andreas SzelenyiAugust 8, 2013

When scientists climb 66 European mountain summits, it takes time but it's very rewarding. For ten years, the research project GLORIA has been observing the plant world of the mountains.

https://p.dw.com/p/19Max
Wild flowers bloom in the backdrop of rugged mountains near the high altitude Vishansar lake valley, some 130 kms northeast of Srinagar, Indian Kashmir, 03 August 2007. Vishansar, a famous high altitude Lake and one of the toughest trekking spots in Kashmir, is located at an altitude of 15,480 ft (4718 m) and takes at least a two-day climb from the base camp in Sonamarg from the month of June to August. Located in the lap of majestic mountains of the Himalayas, Kashmir is famous for its natural beauty with enchanting valleys, limpid lakes, cascading rivers, trekking in mountains and a wide variety of animals and plants. Kashmir is considered a paradise for trekkers. Most of the trekking routes lies in the north-eastern of the great Himalayas which borders Pakistan and China. Foto: EPA/ALTAF QADRI +++(c) dpa - Report+++
Image: picture-alliance/dpa

Sensitive - Researchers study mountain flora

In this way they can see whether and where the plants spread. A comparison has shown that in the Alps, the number of species is increasing, whereas on peaks in Spain aridity has caused a reduction in species. Plants are reacting sensitively to global warming, and it’s changing the flora of Europe's mountains. The scientists now plan to extend their research to mountain peaks around the world.

Skip next section Explore more

Explore more

GLORIA - Global Observation Research Initiative in Alpine Environments

www.gloria.ac.at