Alpenkunde
Alpenkunde is a German term for the study of the Alpine region. It denotes an interdisciplinary approach that treats the Alps as a complex natural and cultural landscape. The field integrates natural sciences—such as physical geography, geology, climate science, hydrology, botany and zoology—with human sciences including geography, history, linguistics, ethnology and economics. Its aim is to describe, explain and interpret both the environment and the societies that inhabit the Alpine area.
Key topics include geomorphology and glaciology, biodiversity and ecosystems, climate change impacts, water resources, hazards and
Geographically, the Alps extend across parts of Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein, Slovenia and Switzerland, and
Historically, Alpenkunde emerged in the 19th century within German-speaking geography and natural history as a way