Drites

Drites are small, usually temporary streams that flow in the Swiss and German Alps, particularly during the spring and early summer months. These high-altitude streams often originate from melting snow and ice on alpine slopes and flow downhill, typically into larger rivers.

The term "Dritte" or "Driten" literally translates to "third" or "sixth" in German, respectively, due to their intermittent nature and varying frequency of presence. Drites are an essential component of the alpine hydrological cycle, contributing to the regional aquatic ecosystem and supporting biodiversity.

Some Drites flow through mountain valleys, often creating beautiful and unique landscapes. Others merge with nearby rivers, influencing water levels and altering local habitats. The ecosystem surrounding Drites is multifaceted, including periphyton, macroinvertebrates, and various fish species that rely on these small streams.

Some Drites receive designation as monumental natural sites, often due to their geological or ecological significance. Yet, this status may also imply a need for conservation and environmental protection. Furthermore, research on Drites has provided insight into the responses of alpine ecosystems to climate change and alterations in precipitation and temperature patterns.

Since the ephemeral nature of Drites limits their study, most research focuses on measuring and modeling runoff patterns, rather than continuously monitoring individual streams. Studying Drites has contributed to a better understanding of alpine hydrology and regional ecosystems, while also highlighting the importance of Alpine ecosystems in the face of climate change.