Pfad der Pioniere 09: Naturgewalten

Some rocks seem to be made for eternity. But the impression is deceptive: rocks are subject to constant changes. Cold, heat, water and ice affect them and plant roots penetrate into small cracks. Without warning, a chunk can suddenly come loose from the rock face. At a speed of around 100 km per hour, the stone races down the slope and jumps high into the air like a rubber ball. Only when it becomes flatter or when many trees stand in the way, the stone comes to a standstill. Where rockfall is common, unvegetated debris heaps are formed. They are the breeding ground for debris flows (item 2).