Wildfire-induced geohydrological risk in the Alps

Wildfire-induced geohydrological risk in the central-eastern Alps is addressed by synthesizing publications in the Alps and a first inventory of fire-induced geohydrological processes, identifying future challenges, and proposing a procedure for indicator identification within an integrated fire management strategy for policymakers. Using representative data sets, findings are transferrable to other areas in the Alps. We discuss how wildfires, intensified by climate change, human activity, and urbanization, are altering mountain ecosystems and increasing the risk of geohydrological processes like erosion, and gravitational mass movements such as rockfalls, slides, and debris flows. Key terminology is clarified. Important settings of the Alps for wildfire occurrence and resulting geohydrological processes are summarized. The effects of wildfires in different geological settings in Austria, Northern Italy and Switzerland are described to help explain indicators for burn severity and for geohydrological processes during and following a wildfire event. The first inventory of post-wildfire geohydrological processes in the Alps is also presented. The importance of understanding the effects of wildfires in different geological settings in the Alps and proposed systematic documentation procedures for integrated fire management strategies is emphasised.