A team of scientists from the University of Bern in Switzerland has used a novel technique to measure the uplift rate of the Swiss Alps. They used cosmic rays, which are high-energy particles that constantly rain down on Earth from outer space. When these particles hit the ground, they interact with atoms in the soil and produce a type of radiation called muons.
Muons are subatomic particles that are similar to electrons, but much heavier. They can penetrate deep into the Earth's crust, and their flux is affected by the amount of material they have to pass through. This means that by measuring the flux of muons at different locations in the Swiss Alps, scientists can estimate the thickness of the crust and, thus, the amount of uplift that has occurred.
The scientists found that the Swiss Alps are rising at a rate of about 1-2 millimeters per year. This may not seem like much, but over time it can add up to significant changes. For instance, if the Alps continue to rise at this rate, they will be about 10 meters higher in 1000 years.
The study also found that the rate of uplift is not uniform across the Alps. The mountains are rising faster in some areas, such as the Valais region, than in others, such as the Bernese Oberland. This suggests that the forces driving uplift are not the same everywhere in the Alps.
The scientists say that their findings have implications for understanding the long-term evolution of the Alps and the hazards associated with mountain uplift, such as landslides and earthquakes. Additionally, the study demonstrates the potential of using cosmic rays to measure crustal movement, which could be applied to other regions of the world.
The study is published in the journal Scientific Reports.
