AvaRange – Particle Tracking in Snow Avalanches

The project AvaRange Particle Tracking in Snow Avalanches aims at increasing the fundamental understanding of the dynamics of avalanches, which is currently mostly based on laboratory experiments and computer simulations. One example is that large particles commonly rise to the surface and are preferentially transported to the front of the avalanche, while smaller ones rather stay behind. Thus, particle and supposedly snow properties influence the flow mobility and therefore the expected run-out, which is a key parameter in avalanche hazard assessments. Technical advances in the field of wireless sensor networks and the Internet of things play an increasing role in our everyday life and also find application in studies of natural phenomena. Examples include ranging applications in self-localization of mobile robots or flying drones to dynamic wildlife monitoring. Inertial navigation systems are widely used in engineering as well as daily applications such as naval, aircraft, and, in particular, drone navigation, positioning in cell phone applications, motion analysis, and many others. The combination and enhancement of these raging and navigation technologies will allow us notable advances in examining the internal flow behavior of snow in a fundamentally new way. Our sensor systems, equipped with communication and sensing capabilities, are embedded in robust housings and will be placed in avalanche release areas. After an (artificial) avalanche release, the sensors move with the avalanche. Inertial navigation sensors record information on the local motion and wireless radio communication allows to track the distances between the sensors over time. Until now, no such solution exists covering all the mentioned aspects of avalanche tracking. Thus, in order to accurately track the complex avalanche flow, a new and innovative system based on the combination of existing sensors will be developed. This will allow to reconstruct the flow trajectories of the sensors in multiple ways and, thus, the internal flow behavior of the avalanche. The harsh experimental environments require for inexpensive, durable, yet highly accurate sensor combinations with robust radio transmission in snow. These sensors will also be of interest for all kinds of different gravitational mass flows beyond the scope of the project. Furthermore, the project results have a huge relevance and potentials in a socio-economic and public-safety context. Avalanches are an inevitable thread in alpine environments. The understanding of particle transport and the respective flow trajectories in avalanche flows is highly relevant for, e.g., ski burial location prediction or transport of debris material in avalanches and their impact location.

No additional funding sources recorded.