In:
The Cryosphere, Copernicus GmbH, Vol. 13, No. 12 ( 2019-12-04), p. 3225-3238
Abstract:
Abstract. Accurate and timely information on avalanche occurrence is key for
avalanche warning, crisis management and avalanche documentation. Today such information is mainly available at isolated locations provided by observers
in the field. The achieved reliability, considering accuracy, completeness
and reliability of the reported avalanche events, is limited. In this study
we present the spatially continuous mapping of a large avalanche period in
January 2018 covering the majority of the Swiss Alps (12 500 km2). We tested different satellite sensors available for rapid mapping during the
first avalanche period. Based on these experiences, we tasked SPOT6 and SPOT7
for data acquisition to cover the second, much larger avalanche period. We
manually mapped the outlines of 18 737 individual avalanche events, applying image enhancement techniques to analyze regions in the shade as well as
in brightly illuminated ones. The resulting dataset of mapped avalanche
outlines, having unique completeness and reliability, is evaluated to
produce maps of avalanche occurrence and avalanche size. We validated the
mapping of the avalanche outlines using photographs acquired from
helicopters just after the avalanche period. This study demonstrates the applicability of optical, very high spatial resolution satellite data to map an exceptional avalanche period with very
high completeness, accuracy and reliability over a large region. The
generated avalanche data are of great value in validating avalanche bulletins,
in completing existing avalanche databases and for research applications by
enabling meaningful statistics on important avalanche parameters.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1994-0424
DOI:
10.5194/tc-13-3225-2019
Language:
English
Publisher:
Copernicus GmbH
Publication Date:
2019
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2393169-3
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