Articles | Volume 21, issue 3
https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-21-1159-2021
© Author(s) 2021. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-21-1159-2021
© Author(s) 2021. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
31 Mar 2021
Research article |
| 31 Mar 2021
| 31 Mar 2021
Assessing the effect of lithological setting, block characteristics and slope topography on the runout length of rockfalls in the Alps and on the island of La Réunion
Chair of Physical Geography, Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, 85072 Eichstätt, Germany
Florian Haas
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Chair of Physical Geography, Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, 85072 Eichstätt, Germany
Tobias Heckmann
Chair of Physical Geography, Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, 85072 Eichstätt, Germany
Anne Mangeney
Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, Université de Paris, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
Virginie Durand
Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, Université de Paris, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
now at: Helmholtz Centre Potsdam – German Research Centre for Geosciences, GFZ, 14473 Potsdam, Germany
Nicolas Villeneuve
Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, Université de Paris, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
Laboratoire GéoSciences Réunion, Université de La Réunion, 97744 Saint-Denis, France
Philippe Kowalski
Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, Université de Paris, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
Observatoire Volcanologique du Piton de la Fournaise, Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, 97418 La Plaine des Cafres, France
Aline Peltier
Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, Université de Paris, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
Observatoire Volcanologique du Piton de la Fournaise, Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, 97418 La Plaine des Cafres, France
Michael Becht
Chair of Physical Geography, Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, 85072 Eichstätt, Germany
Related authors
No articles found.
Moritz Altmann, Madlene Pfeiffer, Florian Haas, Jakob Rom, Fabian Fleischer, Tobias Heckmann, Livia Piermattei, Michael Wimmer, Lukas Braun, Manuel Stark, Sarah Betz-Nutz, and Michael Becht
Earth Surf. Dynam., 12, 399–431, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-399-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-399-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We show a long-term erosion monitoring of several sections on Little Ice Age lateral moraines with derived sediment yield from historical and current digital elevation modelling (DEM)-based differences. The first study period shows a clearly higher range of variability of sediment yield within the sites than the later periods. In most cases, a decreasing trend of geomorphic activity was observed.
Katharina Ramskogler, Bettina Knoflach, Bernhard Elsner, Brigitta Erschbamer, Florian Haas, Tobias Heckmann, Florentin Hofmeister, Livia Piermattei, Camillo Ressl, Svenja Trautmann, Michael H. Wimmer, Clemens Geitner, Johann Stötter, and Erich Tasser
Biogeosciences, 20, 2919–2939, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-2919-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-2919-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Primary succession in proglacial areas depends on complex driving forces. To concretise the complex effects and interaction processes, 39 known explanatory variables assigned to seven spheres were analysed via principal component analysis and generalised additive models. Key results show that in addition to time- and elevation-dependent factors, also disturbances alter vegetation development. The results are useful for debates on vegetation development in a warming climate.
Livia Piermattei, Tobias Heckmann, Sarah Betz-Nutz, Moritz Altmann, Jakob Rom, Fabian Fleischer, Manuel Stark, Florian Haas, Camillo Ressl, Michael H. Wimmer, Norbert Pfeifer, and Michael Becht
Earth Surf. Dynam., 11, 383–403, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-383-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-383-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Alpine rivers have experienced strong changes over the last century. In the present study, we explore the potential of historical multi-temporal elevation models, combined with recent topographic data, to quantify 66 years (from 1953 to 2019) of river changes in the glacier forefield of an Alpine catchment. Thereby, we quantify the changes in the river form as well as the related sediment erosion and deposition.
Sarah Betz-Nutz, Tobias Heckmann, Florian Haas, and Michael Becht
Earth Surf. Dynam., 11, 203–226, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-203-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-203-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
The geomorphic activity of LIA lateral moraines is of high interest due to its implications for the sediment fluxes and hazards within proglacial areas. We derived multitemporal models from historical aerial images and recent drone images to investigate the morphodynamics on moraine slopes over time. We found that the highest erosion rates occur on the steepest moraine slopes, which stay active for decades, and that the slope angle explains morphodynamics better than the time since deglaciation.
Jakob Rom, Florian Haas, Tobias Heckmann, Moritz Altmann, Fabian Fleischer, Camillo Ressl, Sarah Betz-Nutz, and Michael Becht
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 601–622, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-23-601-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-23-601-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
In this study, an area-wide slope-type debris flow record has been established for Horlachtal, Austria, since 1947 based on historical and recent remote sensing data. Spatial and temporal analyses show variations in debris flow activity in space and time in a high-alpine region. The results can contribute to a better understanding of past slope-type debris flow dynamics in the context of extreme precipitation events and their possible future development.
Fabian Fleischer, Florian Haas, Livia Piermattei, Madlene Pfeiffer, Tobias Heckmann, Moritz Altmann, Jakob Rom, Manuel Stark, Michael H. Wimmer, Norbert Pfeifer, and Michael Becht
The Cryosphere, 15, 5345–5369, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-5345-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-5345-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We investigate the long-term (1953–2017) morphodynamic changes in rock glaciers in Kaunertal valley, Austria. Using a combination of historical aerial photographs and laser scanning data, we derive information on flow velocities and surface elevation changes. We observe a loss of volume and an acceleration from the late 1990s onwards. We explain this by changes in the meteorological forcing. Individual rock glaciers react to these changes to varying degrees.
Magdalena Oryaëlle Chevrel, Massimiliano Favalli, Nicolas Villeneuve, Andrew J. L. Harris, Alessandro Fornaciai, Nicole Richter, Allan Derrien, Patrice Boissier, Andrea Di Muro, and Aline Peltier
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 21, 2355–2377, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-21-2355-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-21-2355-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
At Piton de la Fournaise, eruptions are typically fissure-fed and form extensive lava flow fields. Most historical events have occurred inside an uninhabited caldera, but rarely has lava flowed where population and infrastructure might be at risk. We present an up-to-date lava flow hazard map to visualize the probability of inundation by a lava flow per unit area that is an essential tool for hazard mitigation and guiding crises response management.
Santiago Arellano, Bo Galle, Fredy Apaza, Geoffroy Avard, Charlotte Barrington, Nicole Bobrowski, Claudia Bucarey, Viviana Burbano, Mike Burton, Zoraida Chacón, Gustavo Chigna, Christian Joseph Clarito, Vladimir Conde, Fidel Costa, Maarten De Moor, Hugo Delgado-Granados, Andrea Di Muro, Deborah Fernandez, Gustavo Garzón, Hendra Gunawan, Nia Haerani, Thor H. Hansteen, Silvana Hidalgo, Salvatore Inguaggiato, Mattias Johansson, Christoph Kern, Manne Kihlman, Philippe Kowalski, Pablo Masias, Francisco Montalvo, Joakim Möller, Ulrich Platt, Claudia Rivera, Armando Saballos, Giuseppe Salerno, Benoit Taisne, Freddy Vásconez, Gabriela Velásquez, Fabio Vita, and Mathieu Yalire
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 13, 1167–1188, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-13-1167-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-13-1167-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
This study presents a dataset of volcanic sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions from 2005–2017. Measurements were obtained by Network for Observation of Volcanic and Atmospheric Change (NOVAC) scanning differential optical absorption spectrometer (ScanDOAS) instruments at 32 volcanoes and processed using a standardized procedure. We show statistics of volcanic gas emissions under a variety of conditions and compare them with averages derived from measurements from space and historical inventories.
Lucia Gurioli, Andrea Di Muro, Ivan Vlastélic, Séverine Moune, Simon Thivet, Marina Valer, Nicolas Villeneuve, Guillaume Boudoire, Aline Peltier, Patrick Bachèlery, Valérie Ferrazzini, Nicole Métrich, Mhammed Benbakkar, Nicolas Cluzel, Christophe Constantin, Jean-Luc Devidal, Claire Fonquernie, and Jean-Marc Hénot
Solid Earth, 9, 431–455, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-9-431-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-9-431-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
We prove here that macroscopic and microscopic studies of emitted pyroclastic and effusive products provide valuable information to track and understand small explosive eruptions for hazard and risk assessment. This is especially true for Piton de La Fournaise, La Réunion, whose activity has recently been characterized by effusive and mild explosive activity in highly visited areas. We confirm that petrological monitoring is essential to forecast changes in the magmatic system.
Pierre Tulet, Andréa Di Muro, Aurélie Colomb, Cyrielle Denjean, Valentin Duflot, Santiago Arellano, Brice Foucart, Jérome Brioude, Karine Sellegri, Aline Peltier, Alessandro Aiuppa, Christelle Barthe, Chatrapatty Bhugwant, Soline Bielli, Patrice Boissier, Guillaume Boudoire, Thierry Bourrianne, Christophe Brunet, Fréderic Burnet, Jean-Pierre Cammas, Franck Gabarrot, Bo Galle, Gaetano Giudice, Christian Guadagno, Fréderic Jeamblu, Philippe Kowalski, Jimmy Leclair de Bellevue, Nicolas Marquestaut, Dominique Mékies, Jean-Marc Metzger, Joris Pianezze, Thierry Portafaix, Jean Sciare, Arnaud Tournigand, and Nicolas Villeneuve
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 5355–5378, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-5355-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-5355-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
The STRAP campaign was conducted in 2015 to investigate the volcanic plumes of Piton de La Fournaise (La Réunion, France). For the first time, measurements were conducted at the local (near the vent) and regional scales around the island. The STRAP 2015 campaign gave a unique set of multi-disciplinary data that can now be used by modellers to improve the numerical parameterisations of the physical and chemical evolution of the volcanic plumes.
Florian Haas, Ludwig Hilger, Fabian Neugirg, Kathrin Umstädter, Christian Breitung, Peter Fischer, Paula Hilger, Tobias Heckmann, Jana Dusik, Andreas Kaiser, Jürgen Schmidt, Marta Della Seta, Ruben Rosenkranz, and Michael Becht
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 16, 1269–1288, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-16-1269-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-16-1269-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
This study focuses on the quantification and analysis of geomorphic processes on the barely vegetated slopes of a recultivated iron ore mine on the Italian island of Elba using photographs from terrestrial laser scanning and digital photogrammetry by an unmanned aerial vehicle over a period of 5 1/2 years. Beside this, the study tried to work out the potential and the limitations of both methods to detect surface changes by geomorphic process dynamics within a natural environment.
A. Kaiser, F. Neugirg, F. Haas, J. Schmidt, M. Becht, and M. Schindewolf
SOIL, 1, 613–620, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-1-613-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-1-613-2015, 2015
F. Neugirg, A. Kaiser, M. Schindewolf, M. Becht, J. Schmidt, and F. Haas
Proc. IAHS, 371, 181–187, https://doi.org/10.5194/piahs-371-181-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/piahs-371-181-2015, 2015
Short summary
Short summary
Digital elevation models acquired with a terrestrial laser scanner were used to study summerly erosion on steep slopes. An existing physical event-based erosion model approach was tested on theses slopes and validated with the laser scanning values. Modeled and scanned values are in 98.4% agreement. Additionally a statistical modeling approach was used to compare the results with a previous study in a nearby area. The comparison showed a good applicability of the model on different slopes.
T. Heckmann, K. Gegg, A. Gegg, and M. Becht
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 14, 259–278, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-14-259-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-14-259-2014, 2014
Related subject area
Other Hazards (e.g., Glacial and Snow Hazards, Karst, Wildfires Hazards, and Medical Geo-Hazards)
How hard do avalanche practitioners tap during snow stability tests?
A large-scale validation of snowpack simulations in support of avalanche forecasting focusing on critical layers
A glacial lake outburst flood risk assessment for the Phochhu river basin, Bhutan
AutoATES v2.0: Automated Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale mapping
Modelling the vulnerability of urban settings to wildland–urban interface fires in Chile
Modeling of indoor 222Rn in data-scarce regions: an interactive dashboard approach for Bogotá, Colombia
A regional early warning for slushflow hazard
A new approach for drought index adjustment to clay-shrinkage-induced subsidence over France: advantages of the interactive leaf area index
Automated Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES) mapping – local validation and optimization in western Canada
Glide-snow avalanches: A mechanical, threshold-based release area model
Improving the fire weather index system for peatlands using peat-specific hydrological input data
Brief communication: The Lahaina Fire disaster – how models can be used to understand and predict wildfires
Prediction of natural dry-snow avalanche activity using physics-based snowpack simulations
Early warning system for ice collapses and river blockages in the Sedongpu Valley, southeastern Tibetan Plateau
Fire risk modeling: an integrated and data-driven approach applied to Sicily
Avalanche size estimation and avalanche outline determination by experts: reliability and implications for practice
Fluid conduits and shallow-reservoir structure defined by geoelectrical tomography at the Nirano Salse (Italy)
Estimating the effects of meteorology and land cover on fire growth in Peru using a novel difference equation model
Review article: Snow and ice avalanches in high mountain Asia – scientific, local and indigenous knowledge
Reduced-order digital twin and latent data assimilation for global wildfire prediction
A user perspective on the avalanche danger scale – insights from North America
Improving fire severity prediction in south-eastern Australia using vegetation specific information
Characterizing the rate of spread of large wildfires in emerging fire environments of northwestern Europe using Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite active fire data
Evaluation of low-cost Raspberry Pi sensors for structure-from-motion reconstructions of glacier calving fronts
Temporal evolution of crack propagation characteristics in a weak snowpack layer: conditions of crack arrest and sustained propagation
A data-driven model for Fennoscandian wildfire danger
Equivalent hazard magnitude scale
Statistical modelling of air quality impacts from individual forest fires in New South Wales, Australia
Drivers of extreme burnt area in Portugal: fire weather and vegetation
Coupling wildfire spread simulations and connectivity analysis for hazard assessment: a case study in Serra da Cabreira, Portugal
Glacial lake outburst flood hazard under current and future conditions: worst-case scenarios in a transboundary Himalayan basin
What weather variables are important for wet and slab avalanches under a changing climate in a low-altitude mountain range in Czechia?
Modelling ignition probability for human- and lightning-caused wildfires in Victoria, Australia
Automated snow avalanche release area delineation in data-sparse, remote, and forested regions
The 2017 Split wildfire in Croatia: evolution and the role of meteorological conditions
Progress and challenges in glacial lake outburst flood research (2017–2021): a research community perspective
Global assessment and mapping of ecological vulnerability to wildfires
The impact of terrain model source and resolution on snow avalanche modeling
Travel and terrain advice statements in public avalanche bulletins: a quantitative analysis of who uses this information, what makes it useful, and how it can be improved for users
Data-driven automated predictions of the avalanche danger level for dry-snow conditions in Switzerland
On the correlation between a sub-level qualifier refining the danger level with observations and models relating to the contributing factors of avalanche danger
Automated avalanche hazard indication mapping on a statewide scale
Forecasting the regional fire radiative power for regularly ignited vegetation fires
Environmental factors affecting wildfire-burned areas in southeastern France, 1970–2019
Detrainment and braking of snow avalanches interacting with forests
Past and future trends in fire weather for the UK
Methodological and conceptual challenges in rare and severe event forecast verification
Multi-method monitoring of rockfall activity along the classic route up Mont Blanc (4809 m a.s.l.) to encourage adaptation by mountaineers
Wildfire–atmosphere interaction index for extreme-fire behaviour
How is avalanche danger described in textual descriptions in avalanche forecasts in Switzerland? Consistency between forecasters and avalanche danger
Håvard B. Toft, Samuel V. Verplanck, and Markus Landrø
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 2757–2772, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-2757-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-2757-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This study investigates inconsistencies in impact force as part of extended column tests (ECTs). We measured force-time curves from 286 practitioners in Scandinavia, Central Europe, and North America. The results show a large variability in peak forces and loading rates across wrist, elbow, and shoulder taps, challenging the ECT's reliability.
Florian Herla, Pascal Haegeli, Simon Horton, and Patrick Mair
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 2727–2756, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-2727-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-2727-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Snowpack simulations are increasingly employed by avalanche warning services to inform about critical avalanche layers buried in the snowpack. However, validity concerns limit their operational value. We present methods that enable meaningful comparisons between snowpack simulations and regional assessments of avalanche forecasters to quantify the performance of the Canadian weather and snowpack model chain to represent thin critical avalanche layers on a large scale and in real time.
Tandin Wangchuk and Ryota Tsubaki
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 2523–2540, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-2523-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-2523-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
A glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) is a natural hazard in which water from a glacier-fed lake is swiftly discharged, causing serious harm to life, infrastructure, and communities. We used numerical models to predict the potential consequences of a GLOF originating from the Thorthomi glacial lake in Bhutan. We found that if a GLOF occurs, the lake could release massive flood water within 4 h, posing a considerable risk. Study findings help to mitigate the impacts of future GLOFs.
Håvard B. Toft, John Sykes, Andrew Schauer, Jordy Hendrikx, and Audun Hetland
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 1779–1793, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-1779-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-1779-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Manual Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES) mapping is time-consuming and inefficient for large-scale applications. The updated algorithm for automated ATES mapping overcomes previous limitations by including forest density data, improving the avalanche runout estimations in low-angle runout zones, accounting for overhead exposure and open-source software. Results show that the latest version has significantly improved its performance.
Paula Aguirre, Jorge León, Constanza González-Mathiesen, Randy Román, Manuela Penas, and Alonso Ogueda
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 1521–1537, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-1521-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-1521-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Wildfires pose a significant risk to property located in the wildland–urban interface (WUI). To assess and mitigate this risk, we need to understand which characteristics of buildings and building arrangements make them more prone to damage. We used a combination of data collection and analysis methods to study the vulnerability of dwellings in the WUI for case studies in Chile and concluded that the spatial arrangement of houses has a substantial impact on their vulnerability to wildfires.
Martín Domínguez Durán, María Angélica Sandoval Garzón, and Carme Huguet
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 1319–1339, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-1319-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-1319-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
In this study we created a cost-effective alternative to bridge the baseline information gap on indoor radon (a highly carcinogenic gas) in regions where measurements are scarce. We model indoor radon concentrations to understand its spatial distribution and the potential influential factors. We evaluated the performance of this alternative using a small number of measurements taken in Bogotá, Colombia. Our results show that this alternative could help in the making of future studies and policy.
Monica Sund, Heidi A. Grønsten, and Siv Å. Seljesæter
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 1185–1201, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-1185-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-1185-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Slushflows are rapid mass movements of water-saturated snow released in gently sloping terrain (< 30°), often unexpectedly. Early warning is crucial to prevent casualties and damage to infrastructure. A regional early warning for slushflow hazard was established in Norway in 2013–2014 and has been operational since. We present a methodology using the ratio between water supply and snow depth by snow type to assess slushflow hazard. This approach is useful for other areas with slushflow hazard.
Sophie Barthelemy, Bertrand Bonan, Jean-Christophe Calvet, Gilles Grandjean, David Moncoulon, Dorothée Kapsambelis, and Séverine Bernardie
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 999–1016, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-999-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-999-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This work presents a drought index specifically adapted to subsidence, a seasonal phenomenon of soil shrinkage that occurs frequently in France and damages buildings. The index is computed from land surface model simulations and evaluated by a rank correlation test with insurance data. With its optimal configuration, the index is able to identify years of both zero and significant loss.
John Sykes, Håvard Toft, Pascal Haegeli, and Grant Statham
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 947–971, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-947-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-947-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
The research validates and optimizes an automated approach for creating classified snow avalanche terrain maps using open-source geospatial modeling tools. Validation is based on avalanche-expert-based maps for two study areas. Our results show that automated maps have an overall accuracy equivalent to the average accuracy of three human maps. Automated mapping requires a fraction of the time and cost of traditional methods and opens the door for large-scale mapping of mountainous terrain.
Amelie Fees, Alec van Herwijnen, Michael Lombardo, Jürg Schweizer, and Peter Lehmann
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-2024-34, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-2024-34, 2024
Revised manuscript accepted for NHESS
Short summary
Short summary
Glide-snow avalanches release at the ground-snow interface and their release process is poorly understood. To investigate the influence of spatial variability (snowpack and basal friction) on avalanche release, we developed a 3D, mechanical, threshold-based model that reproduces an observed release area distribution. A sensitivity analysis showed that the distribution was mostly influenced by the basal friction homogeneity while the variations in snowpack properties had little influence.
Jonas Mortelmans, Anne Felsberg, Gabriëlle J. M. De Lannoy, Sander Veraverbeke, Robert D. Field, Niels Andela, and Michel Bechtold
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 445–464, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-445-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-445-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
With global warming increasing the frequency and intensity of wildfires in the boreal region, accurate risk assessments are becoming more crucial than ever before. The Canadian Fire Weather Index (FWI) is a renowned system, yet its effectiveness in peatlands, where hydrology plays a key role, is limited. By incorporating groundwater data from numerical models and satellite observations, our modified FWI improves the accuracy of fire danger predictions, especially over summer.
Timothy W. Juliano, Fernando Szasdi-Bardales, Neil P. Lareau, Kasra Shamsaei, Branko Kosović, Negar Elhami-Khorasani, Eric P. James, and Hamed Ebrahimian
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 47–52, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-47-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-47-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Following the destructive Lahaina Fire in Hawaii, our team has modeled the wind and fire spread processes to understand the drivers of this devastating event. The simulation results show that extreme winds with high variability, a fire ignition close to the community, and construction characteristics led to continued fire spread in multiple directions. Our results suggest that available modeling capabilities can provide vital information to guide decision-making during wildfire events.
Stephanie Mayer, Frank Techel, Jürg Schweizer, and Alec van Herwijnen
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 3445–3465, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-23-3445-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-23-3445-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
We present statistical models to estimate the probability for natural dry-snow avalanche release and avalanche size based on the simulated layering of the snowpack. The benefit of these models is demonstrated in comparison with benchmark models based on the amount of new snow. From the validation with data sets of quality-controlled avalanche observations and danger levels, we conclude that these models may be valuable tools to support forecasting natural dry-snow avalanche activity.
Wei Yang, Zhongyan Wang, Baosheng An, Yingying Chen, Chuanxi Zhao, Chenhui Li, Yongjie Wang, Weicai Wang, Jiule Li, Guangjian Wu, Lin Bai, Fan Zhang, and Tandong Yao
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 3015–3029, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-23-3015-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-23-3015-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
We present the structure and performance of the early warning system (EWS) for glacier collapse and river blockages in the southeastern Tibetan Plateau. The EWS warned of three collapse–river blockage chain events and seven small-scale events. The volume and location of the collapses and the percentage of ice content influenced the velocities of debris flows. Such a study is helpful for understanding the mechanism of glacier hazards and for establishing similar EWSs in other high-risk regions.
Alba Marquez Torres, Giovanni Signorello, Sudeshna Kumar, Greta Adamo, Ferdinando Villa, and Stefano Balbi
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 2937–2959, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-23-2937-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-23-2937-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Only by mapping fire risks can we manage forest and prevent fires under current and future climate conditions. We present a fire risk map based on k.LAB, artificial-intelligence-powered and open-source software integrating multidisciplinary knowledge in near real time. Through an easy-to-use web application, we model the hazard with 84 % accuracy for Sicily, a representative Mediterranean region. Fire risk analysis reveals 45 % of vulnerable areas face a high probability of danger in 2050.
Elisabeth D. Hafner, Frank Techel, Rodrigo Caye Daudt, Jan Dirk Wegner, Konrad Schindler, and Yves Bühler
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 2895–2914, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-23-2895-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-23-2895-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Oftentimes when objective measurements are not possible, human estimates are used instead. In our study, we investigate the reproducibility of human judgement for size estimates, the mappings of avalanches from oblique photographs and remotely sensed imagery. The variability that we found in those estimates is worth considering as it may influence results and should be kept in mind for several applications.
Gerardo Romano, Marco Antonellini, Domenico Patella, Agata Siniscalchi, Andrea Tallarico, Simona Tripaldi, and Antonello Piombo
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 2719–2735, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-23-2719-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-23-2719-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
The Nirano Salse (northern Apennines, Italy) is characterized by several active mud vents and hosts thousands of visitors every year. New resistivity models describe the area down to 250 m, improving our geostructural knowledge of the area and giving useful indications for a better understanding of mud volcano dynamics and for the better planning of safer tourist access to the area.
Harry Podschwit, William Jolly, Ernesto Alvarado, Andrea Markos, Satyam Verma, Sebastian Barreto-Rivera, Catherine Tobón-Cruz, and Blanca Ponce-Vigo
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 2607–2624, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-23-2607-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-23-2607-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
We developed a model of fire spread that assumes that fire spreads in all directions at a constant speed and is extinguished at a constant rate. The model was fitted to 1003 fires in Peru between 2001 and 2020 using satellite burned area data from the GlobFire project. We fitted statistical models that predicted the spread and extinguish rates based on weather and land cover variables and found that these variables were good predictors of the spread and extinguish rates.
Anushilan Acharya, Jakob F. Steiner, Khwaja Momin Walizada, Salar Ali, Zakir Hussain Zakir, Arnaud Caiserman, and Teiji Watanabe
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 2569–2592, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-23-2569-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-23-2569-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
All accessible snow and ice avalanches together with previous scientific research, local knowledge, and existing or previously active adaptation and mitigation solutions were investigated in the high mountain Asia (HMA) region to have a detailed overview of the state of knowledge and identify gaps. A comprehensive avalanche database from 1972–2022 is generated, including 681 individual events. The database provides a basis for the forecasting of avalanche hazards in different parts of HMA.
Caili Zhong, Sibo Cheng, Matthew Kasoar, and Rossella Arcucci
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 1755–1768, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-23-1755-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-23-1755-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
This paper introduces a digital twin fire model using machine learning techniques to improve the efficiency of global wildfire predictions. The proposed model also manages to efficiently adjust the prediction results thanks to data assimilation techniques. The proposed digital twin runs 500 times faster than the current state-of-the-art physics-based model.
Abby Morgan, Pascal Haegeli, Henry Finn, and Patrick Mair
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 1719–1742, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-23-1719-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-23-1719-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
The avalanche danger scale is a critical component for communicating the severity of avalanche hazard conditions to the public. We examine how backcountry recreationists in North America understand and use the danger scale for planning trips into the backcountry. Our results provide an important user perspective on the strengths and weaknesses of the existing scale and highlight opportunities for future improvements.
Kang He, Xinyi Shen, Cory Merow, Efthymios Nikolopoulos, Rachael V. Gallagher, Feifei Yang, and Emmanouil N. Anagnostou
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-2023-69, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-2023-69, 2023
Revised manuscript accepted for NHESS
Short summary
Short summary
A framework combines a fire severity classification with a regression model to predict an indicator of fire severity derived from Landsat imagery (difference Normalized Burning Ratio (dNBR)) is proposed. The results show that the proposed predictive technique is capable of providing robust fire severity prediction information, which can be used for forecasting seasonal fire severity and, subsequently, impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems under future projected climate conditions.
Adrián Cardíl, Victor M. Tapia, Santiago Monedero, Tomás Quiñones, Kerryn Little, Cathelijne R. Stoof, Joaquín Ramirez, and Sergio de-Miguel
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 361–373, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-23-361-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-23-361-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
This study aims to unravel large-fire behavior in northwest Europe, a temperate region with a projected increase in wildfire risk. We propose a new method to identify wildfire rate of spread from satellites because it is important to know periods of elevated fire risk for suppression methods and land management. Results indicate that there is a peak in the area burned and rate of spread in the months of March and April, and there are significant differences for forest-type land covers.
Liam S. Taylor, Duncan J. Quincey, and Mark W. Smith
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 329–341, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-23-329-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-23-329-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Hazards from glaciers are becoming more likely as the climate warms, which poses a threat to communities living beneath them. We have developed a new camera system which can capture regular, high-quality 3D models to monitor small changes in glaciers which could be indicative of a future hazard. This system is far cheaper than more typical camera sensors yet produces very similar quality data. We suggest that deploying these cameras near glaciers could assist in warning communities of hazards.
Bastian Bergfeld, Alec van Herwijnen, Grégoire Bobillier, Philipp L. Rosendahl, Philipp Weißgraeber, Valentin Adam, Jürg Dual, and Jürg Schweizer
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 293–315, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-23-293-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-23-293-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
For a slab avalanche to release, the snowpack must facilitate crack propagation over large distances. Field measurements on crack propagation at this scale are very scarce. We performed a series of experiments, up to 10 m long, over a period of 10 weeks. Beside the temporal evolution of the mechanical properties of the snowpack, we found that crack speeds were highest for tests resulting in full propagation. Based on these findings, an index for self-sustained crack propagation is proposed.
Sigrid Jørgensen Bakke, Niko Wanders, Karin van der Wiel, and Lena Merete Tallaksen
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 65–89, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-23-65-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-23-65-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
In this study, we developed a machine learning model to identify dominant controls of wildfire in Fennoscandia and produce monthly fire danger probability maps. The dominant control was shallow-soil water anomaly, followed by air temperature and deep soil water. The model proved skilful with a similar performance as the existing Canadian Forest Fire Weather Index (FWI). We highlight the benefit of using data-driven models jointly with other fire models to improve fire monitoring and prediction.
Yi Victor Wang and Antonia Sebastian
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 4103–4118, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-4103-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-4103-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
In this article, we propose an equivalent hazard magnitude scale and a method to evaluate and compare the strengths of natural hazard events across different hazard types, including earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, droughts, forest fires, tornadoes, cold waves, heat waves, and tropical cyclones. With our method, we determine that both the February 2021 North American cold wave event and Hurricane Harvey in 2017 were equivalent to a magnitude 7.5 earthquake in hazard strength.
Michael A. Storey and Owen F. Price
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 4039–4062, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-4039-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-4039-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Models are needed to understand and predict pollutant output from forest fires so fire agencies can reduce smoke-related risks to human health. We modelled air quality (PM2.5) based on fire area and weather variables. We found fire area and boundary layer height were influential on predictions, with distance, temperature, wind speed and relative humidity also important. The models predicted reasonably accurately in comparison to other existing methods but would benefit from further development.
Tomás Calheiros, Akli Benali, Mário Pereira, João Silva, and João Nunes
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 4019–4037, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-4019-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-4019-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Fire weather indices are used to assess the effect of weather on wildfires. Fire weather risk was computed and combined with large wildfires in Portugal. Results revealed the influence of vegetation cover: municipalities with a prevalence of shrublands, located in eastern parts, burnt under less extreme conditions than those with higher forested areas, situated in coastal regions. These findings are a novelty for fire science in Portugal and should be considered for fire management.
Ana C. L. Sá, Bruno Aparicio, Akli Benali, Chiara Bruni, Michele Salis, Fábio Silva, Martinho Marta-Almeida, Susana Pereira, Alfredo Rocha, and José Pereira
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 3917–3938, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-3917-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-3917-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Assessing landscape wildfire connectivity supported by wildfire spread simulations can improve fire hazard assessment and fuel management plans. Weather severity determines the degree of fuel patch connectivity and thus the potential to spread large and intense wildfires. Mapping highly connected patches in the landscape highlights patch candidates for prior fuel treatments, which ultimately will contribute to creating fire-resilient Mediterranean landscapes.
Simon K. Allen, Ashim Sattar, Owen King, Guoqing Zhang, Atanu Bhattacharya, Tandong Yao, and Tobias Bolch
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 3765–3785, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-3765-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-3765-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
This study demonstrates how the threat of a very large outburst from a future lake can be feasibly assessed alongside that from current lakes to inform disaster risk management within a transboundary basin between Tibet and Nepal. Results show that engineering measures and early warning systems would need to be coupled with effective land use zoning and programmes to strengthen local response capacities in order to effectively reduce the risk associated with current and future outburst events.
Markéta Součková, Roman Juras, Kryštof Dytrt, Vojtěch Moravec, Johanna Ruth Blöcher, and Martin Hanel
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 3501–3525, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-3501-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-3501-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Avalanches are natural hazards that threaten people and infrastructure. With climate change, avalanche activity is changing. We analysed the change in frequency and size of avalanches in the Krkonoše Mountains, Czechia, and detected important variables with machine learning tools from 1979–2020. Wet avalanches in February and March have increased, and slab avalanches have decreased and become smaller. The identified variables and their threshold levels may help in avalanche decision-making.
Annalie Dorph, Erica Marshall, Kate A. Parkins, and Trent D. Penman
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 3487–3499, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-3487-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-3487-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Wildfire spatial patterns are determined by fire ignition sources and vegetation fuel moisture. Fire ignitions can be mediated by humans (owing to proximity to human infrastructure) or caused by lightning (owing to fuel moisture, average annual rainfall and local weather). When moisture in dead vegetation is below 20 % the probability of a wildfire increases. The results of this research enable accurate spatial mapping of ignition probability to aid fire suppression efforts and future research.
John Sykes, Pascal Haegeli, and Yves Bühler
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 3247–3270, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-3247-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-3247-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Automated snow avalanche terrain mapping provides an efficient method for large-scale assessment of avalanche hazards, which informs risk management decisions for transportation and recreation. This research reduces the cost of developing avalanche terrain maps by using satellite imagery and open-source software as well as improving performance in forested terrain. The research relies on local expertise to evaluate accuracy, so the methods are broadly applicable in mountainous regions worldwide.
Ivana Čavlina Tomašević, Kevin K. W. Cheung, Višnjica Vučetić, Paul Fox-Hughes, Kristian Horvath, Maja Telišman Prtenjak, Paul J. Beggs, Barbara Malečić, and Velimir Milić
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 3143–3165, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-3143-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-3143-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
One of the most severe and impactful urban wildfire events in Croatian history has been reconstructed and analyzed. The study identified some important meteorological influences related to the event: the synoptic conditions of the Azores anticyclone, cold front, and upper-level shortwave trough all led to the highest fire weather index in 2017. A low-level jet, locally known as bura wind that can be explained by hydraulic jump theory, was the dynamic trigger of the event.
Adam Emmer, Simon K. Allen, Mark Carey, Holger Frey, Christian Huggel, Oliver Korup, Martin Mergili, Ashim Sattar, Georg Veh, Thomas Y. Chen, Simon J. Cook, Mariana Correas-Gonzalez, Soumik Das, Alejandro Diaz Moreno, Fabian Drenkhan, Melanie Fischer, Walter W. Immerzeel, Eñaut Izagirre, Ramesh Chandra Joshi, Ioannis Kougkoulos, Riamsara Kuyakanon Knapp, Dongfeng Li, Ulfat Majeed, Stephanie Matti, Holly Moulton, Faezeh Nick, Valentine Piroton, Irfan Rashid, Masoom Reza, Anderson Ribeiro de Figueiredo, Christian Riveros, Finu Shrestha, Milan Shrestha, Jakob Steiner, Noah Walker-Crawford, Joanne L. Wood, and Jacob C. Yde
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 3041–3061, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-3041-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-3041-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) have attracted increased research attention recently. In this work, we review GLOF research papers published between 2017 and 2021 and complement the analysis with research community insights gained from the 2021 GLOF conference we organized. The transdisciplinary character of the conference together with broad geographical coverage allowed us to identify progress, trends and challenges in GLOF research and outline future research needs and directions.
Fátima Arrogante-Funes, Inmaculada Aguado, and Emilio Chuvieco
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 2981–3003, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-2981-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-2981-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
We show that ecological value might be reduced by 50 % due to fire perturbation in ecosystems that have not developed in the presence of fire and/or that present changes in the fire regime. The biomes most affected are tropical and subtropical forests, tundra, and mangroves. Integration of biotic and abiotic fire regime and regeneration factors resulted in a powerful way to map ecological vulnerability to fire and develop assessments to generate adaptation plans of management in forest masses.
Aubrey Miller, Pascal Sirguey, Simon Morris, Perry Bartelt, Nicolas Cullen, Todd Redpath, Kevin Thompson, and Yves Bühler
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 2673–2701, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-2673-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-2673-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Natural hazard modelers simulate mass movements to better anticipate the risk to people and infrastructure. These simulations require accurate digital elevation models. We test the sensitivity of a well-established snow avalanche model (RAMMS) to the source and spatial resolution of the elevation model. We find key differences in the digital representation of terrain greatly affect the simulated avalanche results, with implications for hazard planning.
Kathryn C. Fisher, Pascal Haegeli, and Patrick Mair
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 1973–2000, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-1973-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-1973-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Avalanche bulletins include travel and terrain statements to provide recreationists with tangible guidance about how to apply the hazard information. We examined which bulletin users pay attention to these statements, what determines their usefulness, and how they could be improved. Our study shows that reducing jargon and adding simple explanations can significantly improve the usefulness of the statements for users with lower levels of avalanche awareness education who depend on this advice.
Cristina Pérez-Guillén, Frank Techel, Martin Hendrick, Michele Volpi, Alec van Herwijnen, Tasko Olevski, Guillaume Obozinski, Fernando Pérez-Cruz, and Jürg Schweizer
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 2031–2056, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-2031-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-2031-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
A fully data-driven approach to predicting the danger level for dry-snow avalanche conditions in Switzerland was developed. Two classifiers were trained using a large database of meteorological data, snow cover simulations, and danger levels. The models performed well throughout the Swiss Alps, reaching a performance similar to the current experience-based avalanche forecasts. This approach shows the potential to be a valuable supplementary decision support tool for assessing avalanche hazard.
Frank Techel, Stephanie Mayer, Cristina Pérez-Guillén, Günter Schmudlach, and Kurt Winkler
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 1911–1930, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-1911-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-1911-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Can the resolution of forecasts of avalanche danger be increased by using a combination of absolute and comparative judgments? Using 5 years of Swiss avalanche forecasts, we show that, on average, sub-levels assigned to a danger level reflect the expected increase in the number of locations with poor snow stability and in the number and size of avalanches with increasing forecast sub-level.
Yves Bühler, Peter Bebi, Marc Christen, Stefan Margreth, Lukas Stoffel, Andreas Stoffel, Christoph Marty, Gregor Schmucki, Andrin Caviezel, Roderick Kühne, Stephan Wohlwend, and Perry Bartelt
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 1825–1843, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-1825-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-1825-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
To calculate and visualize the potential avalanche hazard, we develop a method that automatically and efficiently pinpoints avalanche starting zones and simulate their runout for the entire canton of Grisons. The maps produced in this way highlight areas that could be endangered by avalanches and are extremely useful in multiple applications for the cantonal authorities, including the planning of new infrastructure, making alpine regions more safe.
Tero M. Partanen and Mikhail Sofiev
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 1335–1346, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-1335-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-1335-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
The presented method aims to forecast regional wildfire-emitted radiative power in a time-dependent manner several days in advance. The temporal fire radiative power can be converted to an emission production rate, which can be implemented in air quality forecasting simulations. It is shown that in areas with a high incidence of wildfires, the fire radiative power is quite predictable, but otherwise it is not.
Christos Bountzouklis, Dennis M. Fox, and Elena Di Bernardino
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 1181–1200, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-1181-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-1181-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
The study addresses the evolution of burned areas in southeastern France from 1970 to 2019 through the scope of a firefighting policy shift in 1994 that resulted in a significant decrease in the burned area. Regions with large fires were particularly impacted, whereas, in other areas, the fires remained frequent and occurred closer to built-up zones. Environmental characteristics such as south-facing slopes and low vegetation (bushes) are increasingly associated with burned areas.
Louis Védrine, Xingyue Li, and Johan Gaume
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 1015–1028, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-1015-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-1015-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
This study investigates how forests affect the behaviour of snow avalanches through the evaluation of the amount of snow stopped by the trees and the analysis of energy dissipation mechanisms. Different avalanche features and tree configurations have been examined, leading to the proposal of a unified law for the detrained snow mass. Outcomes from this study can be directly implemented in operational models for avalanche risk assessment and contribute to improved forest management strategy.
Matthew C. Perry, Emilie Vanvyve, Richard A. Betts, and Erika J. Palin
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 559–575, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-559-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-559-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
In the past, wildfires in the UK have occurred mainly in spring, with occasional events during hot, dry summers. Climate models predict a large future increase in hazardous fire weather conditions in summer. Wildfire can be considered an
emergent riskfor the UK, as past events have not had widespread major impacts, but this could change. The large increase in risk between the 2 °C and 4 °C levels of global warming highlights the importance of global efforts to keep warming below 2 °C.
Philip A. Ebert and Peter Milne
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 539–557, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-539-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-539-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
There is no consensus about how to assess the quality of binary (yes or no) rare and severe event forecasts, i.e. forecasts involving natural hazards like tornadoes or avalanches. We offer a comprehensive overview of the challenges we face when making such an assessment and provide a critical review of existing solutions. We argue against all but one existing solution to assess the quality of such forecasts and present practical consequences to improve forecasting services.
Jacques Mourey, Pascal Lacroix, Pierre-Allain Duvillard, Guilhem Marsy, Marco Marcer, Emmanuel Malet, and Ludovic Ravanel
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 445–460, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-445-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-445-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
More frequent rockfalls in high alpine environments due to climate change are a growing threat to mountaineers. This hazard is particularly important on the classic route up Mont Blanc. Our results show that rockfalls are most frequent during snowmelt periods and the warmest hours of the day, and that mountaineers do not adapt to the local rockfall hazard when planning their ascent. Disseminating the knowledge acquired from our study caused management measures to be implemented for the route.
Tomàs Artés, Marc Castellnou, Tracy Houston Durrant, and Jesús San-Miguel
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 509–522, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-509-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-509-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
During the last 20 years extreme wildfires have challenged firefighting capabilities. Several fire danger indices are routinely used by firefighting services but are not suited to forecast convective extreme wildfire behaviour at the global scale. This article proposes a new fire danger index for deep moist convection, the extreme-fire behaviour index (EFBI), based on the analysis of the vertical profiles of the atmosphere above wildfires to use along with traditional fire danger indices.
Veronika Hutter, Frank Techel, and Ross S. Purves
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 21, 3879–3897, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-21-3879-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-21-3879-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
How is avalanche danger described in public avalanche forecasts? We analyzed 6000 textual descriptions of avalanche danger in Switzerland, taking the perspective of the forecaster. Avalanche danger was described rather consistently, although the results highlight the difficulty of communicating conditions that are neither rare nor frequent, neither small nor large. The study may help to refine the ways in which avalanche danger could be communicated to the public.
Cited articles
Abellán, A., Vilaplana, J. M., Calvet, J., García-Sellés, D., and Asensio, E.: Rockfall monitoring by Terrestrial Laser Scanning – case study of the basaltic rock face at Castellfollit de la Roca (Catalonia, Spain), Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 11, 829–841, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-11-829-2011, 2011.
Agliardi, F. and Crosta, G. B.: High resolution three-dimensional numerical modelling of rockfalls, Int. J. Rock Mech. Min., 40, 455–471, https://doi.org/10.1016/S1365-1609(03)00021-2, 2003.
Azzoni, A. and de Freitas, M. H.: Experimentally gained parameters, decisive for rock fall analysis, Rock Mech. Rock Eng., 28, 111–124, https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01020064, 1995.
Bennett, G. L., Molnar, P., Eisenbeiss, H., and McArdell, B. W.: Erosional power in the Swiss Alps: Characterization of slope failure in the Illgraben, Earth Surf. Proc. Land., 37, 1627–1640, https://doi.org/10.1002/esp.3263, 2012.
Caine, N.: The texture of talus in Tasmania, J. Sediment. Res., 37, 796–803, https://doi.org/10.1306/74D717A3-2B21-11D7-8648000102C1865D, 1967.
Caviezel, A., Demmel, S. E., Ringenbach, A., Bühler, Y., Lu, G., Christen, M., Dinneen, C. E., Eberhard, L. A., von Rickenbach, D., and Bartelt, P.: Reconstruction of four-dimensional rockfall trajectories using remote sensing and rock-based accelerometers and gyroscopes, Earth Surf. Dynam., 7, 199–210, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-7-199-2019, 2019.
Conrad, O., Bechtel, B., Bock, M., Dietrich, H., Fischer, E., Gerlitz, L., Wehberg, J., Wichmann, V., and Böhner, J.: System for Automated Geoscientific Analyses (SAGA) v. 2.1.4, Geosci. Model Dev., 8, 1991–2007, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-8-1991-2015, 2015.
Copons, R., Vilaplana, J. M., and Linares, R.: Rockfall travel distance analysis by using empirical models (Solà d'Andorra la Vella, Central Pyrenees), Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 9, 2107–2118, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-9-2107-2009, 2009.
Cox, N. J.: Kernel estimation as a basic tool for geomorphological data analysis, Earth Surf. Proc. Land., 32, 1902–1912, https://doi.org/10.1002/esp.1518, 2007.
Crosta, G. B., Agliardi, F., Frattini, P., and Lari, S.: Key issues in rock fall modeling, hazard and risk assessment for rockfall protection, in: Engineering Geology for Society and Territory, 2, Landslide Processes, eds.: Lollino, G., Giordan, D., Crosta, G., Corominas, J., Azzam, R., Wasowski, J., and Sciarra, N., Springer, International Publishing, Cham, Heidelberg, New York, Dordrecht, London, Switzerland, 43–58, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-09057-3_4, 2015.
Cui, Sh., Pei, Xj., and Huang, Rq.: Rolling motion behavior of rockfall on gentle slope: an experimental approach, J. Mt. Sci., 14, 1550–1562, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11629-016-4144-7, 2017.
Dietze, M., Mohadjer, S., Turowski, J. M., Ehlers, T. A., and Hovius, N.: Seismic monitoring of small alpine rockfalls – validity, precision and limitations, Earth Surf. Dynam., 5, 653–668, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-5-653-2017, 2017.
Dietze, M., Turowski, J. M., Cook, K. L., and Hovius, N.: Spatiotemporal patterns, triggers and anatomies of seismically detected rockfalls, Earth Surf. Dynam., 5, 757–779, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-5-757-2017, 2017.
Dorren, L. K. A.: A review of rockfall mechanics and modelling approaches, Prog. Phys. Geog., 27, 69–87, https://doi.org/10.1191/0309133303pp359ra, 2003.
Durand, V., Mangeney, A., Haas, F., Jia, X., Peltier, A., Hibert, C., Ferrazzini, V., Kowalski, P., Lauret, F., Brunet, C., Satriano, C., Wegner, K., Delorme, A., Bonilla, F., and Villeneuve, N.: On the link between external forcings and slope instabilities in the Piton de la Fournaise summit crater, Reunion Island, J Geophys Res: Earth Surface, 123, 2422–2442, https://doi.org/10.1029/2017JF004507, 2018.
Farin, M., Mangeney, A., Toussaint, R., de Rosny, J., Shapiro, N., Dewez, T., Hibert, C., Mathon, C., Sedan, O., and Berger, F.: Characterization of rockfalls from seismic signal: Insights from laboratory experiments, J. Geophys. Res.-Sol. Ea., 120, 7102–7137, https://doi.org/10.1002/2015JB012331, 2015.
Feng, L., Pazzi, V., Intrieri, E., Gracchi, T., and Gigli, G.: Rockfall seismic features analysis based on in situ tests: frequency, amplitude, and duration, J. Mt. Sci., 16, 955–970, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11629-018-5286-6, 2019.
Fityus, S. G., Giacomini, A., and Buzzi, O.: The significance of geology for the morphology of potentially unstable rocks, Eng. Geol., 162, 43–52, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2013.05.007, 2013.
Francou, B. and Manté, C.: Analysis of the segmentation in the profile of alpine talus slopes, Permafrost Periglac., 1, 53–60, https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp.3430010107, 1990.
Frattini, P., Crosta, G. B., and Agliardi, F.: Rockfall characterization and modeling, in: Landslides, Types, Mechanisms and Modeling, eds.: Clague, J. J. and Stead, D., Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom, 267–281, https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511740367.023, 2012.
Gerber, E.: Klassifikation von Schutthalden, Geogr. Helv., 29, 73–82, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-29-73-1974, 1974.
Glover, J., Bartelt, P., Christen, M., and Gerber, W.: Rockfall-simulation with irregular rock blocks, in: Engineering Geology for Society and Territory, Volume 2, eds.: Lollino, G., Giordan, D., Crosta, G. B., Corominas, J., Azzam, R., Wasowski, J., and Sciarra, N., Springer, International Publishing, Cham, Heidelberg, New York, Dordrecht, London, Switzerland, 1729–1733, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-09057-3_306, 2015.
Gratchev, I. and Saeidi, S.: The effect of surface irregularities on a falling rock motion, Geomechanics and Geoengineering, 14, 52–58, https://doi.org/10.1080/17486025.2018.1508857, 2019.
Guerin, A., Stock, G. M., Radue, M. J., Jaboyedoff, M., Collins, B. D., Matasci, B., Avdievitch, N., and Derron, M.-H.: Quantifying 40 years of rockfall activity in Yosemite Valley with historical Structure-from-Motion photogrammetry and terrestrial laser scanning, Geomorphology, 356, 1–18, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2020.107069, 2020.
Haas, F., Heckmann, T., Wichmann, V., and Becht, M.: Runout analysis of a large rockfall in the Dolomites/Italian Alps using LIDAR derived particle sizes and shapes, Earth Surf. Proc. Land., 37, 1444–1455, https://doi.org/10.1002/esp.3295, 2012.
Heckmann, T., Bimböse, M., Krautblatter, M., Haas, F., Becht, M., and Morche, D.: From geotechnical analysis to quantification and modeling using LiDAR data: A study on rockfall in the Reintal catchment, Bavarian Alps, Germany, Earth Surf. Proc. Land., 37, 119–133, https://doi.org/10.1002/esp.2250, 2012.
Heiser, M., Scheidl, C., and Kaitna, R.: Evaluation concepts to compare observed and simulated deposition areas of mass movements, Comput. Geosci., 21, 335–343, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10596-016-9609-9, 2017.
Hergarten, S., Robl, J., and Stüwe, K.: Extracting topographic swath profiles across curved geomorphic features, Earth Surf. Dynam., 2, 97–104, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-2-97-2014, 2014.
Hibert, C., Mangeney, A., Grandjean, G., and Shapiro, N. M.: Slope instabilities in Dolomieu crater, Réunion island: From seismic signals to rockfall characteristics, J. Geophys. Res., 116, 1–18, https://doi.org/10.1029/2011JF002038, 2011.
Hibert, C., Mangeney, A., Grandjean, G., Peltier, A., DiMuro, A., Shapiro, N. M., Ferrazzini, V., Boissier, P., Durand, V., and Kowalski, P.: Spatio-temporal evolution of rockfall activity from 2007 to 2011 at the Piton de la Fournaise volcano inferred from seismic data, J. Volcanol. Geoth. Res., 333-334, 36–52, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2017.01.007, 2017.
Hungr, O. and Evans, S. G.: Engineering evaluation of fragmental rockfall hazards, in: Proceedings of the 5th International Symposium on Landslides, Lausanne, Switzerland, 10–15 July 1988, 894318, 685–690, 1988.
Jaboyedoff, M. and Derron, M.-H.: Hazard assessment within an Integrated Risk Assessment Process for Landslides (IRAPL), in: Proceedings of the International Conference on Landslide Risk Management, Vancouver, Canada, 31 May–3 June 2005, 2005.
Jaboyedoff M., Metzger R., Oppikofer T., Couture R., Derron M.-H., Locat J., and Turmel D.: New insight techniques to analyze rock-slope relief using DEM and 3D-imaging cloud points: COLTOP-3D software, in: Proceedings of the 1st Canada-US Rock Mechanics Symposium, Vancouver, Canada, 27–31 May 2007, ARMA-07-008, 61–68, 2007.
Jaboyedoff, M. and Labiouse, V.: Technical Note: Preliminary estimation of rockfall runout zones, Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 11, 819–828, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-11-819-2011, 2011.
Ji, Z.-M., Chen, Z.-J., Niu, Q.-H., Wang, T.-J., Song, H., and Wang, T.-H.: Laboratory study on the influencing factors and their control for the coefficient of restitution during rockfall impacts, Landslides, 16, 1939–1963, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10346-019-01183-x, 2019.
Jomelli, V. and Francou, B.: Comparing the characteristics of rockfall talus and snow avalanche landforms in an Alpine environment using a new methodological approach: Massif des Ecrins, French Alps, Geomorphology, 35, 181–192, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0169-555X(00)00035-0, 2000.
Kenner, R.: Mass wasting processes affecting the surface of an alpine talus slope: Annual sediment budgets 2009–2018 at Flüelapass, eastern Swiss Alps, Land Degrad. Dev., 31, 451–462, https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.3462, 2019.
Kirkby, M. J. and Statham, I.: Surface stone movement and scree formation, J. Geol., 83, 349–362, https://www.jstor.org/stable/30059027 (last access: 8 February 2021), 1975.
Knoblich, K.: Über den Böschungswinkel von Schutthalden, Catena, 2, 1–10, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0341-8162(75)80001-4, 1975.
Kotarba, A. and Strömquist, L.: Transport, sorting and deposition processes of Alpine debris slope deposits in the Polish Tatra mountains, Geogr. Ann. A, 66, 285–294, https://doi.org/10.1080/04353676.1984.11880116, 1984.
Krautblatter M. and Dikau R.: Towards a uniform concept for the comparison and extrapolation of rockwall retreat and rockfall supply, Geogr. Ann. A, 89, 21–40, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-0459.2007.00305.x, 2007.
Kromer, R., Walton, G., Gray, B., Lata, M., and Group, R.: Development and optimization of an automated fixed-location time lapse photogrammetric rock slope monitoring system, Remote Sens., 11, 1–18, https://doi.org/10.3390/rs11161890, 2019.
Lambert, S., Bourrier, F., and Toe, D.: Improving three-dimensional rockfall trajectory simulation codes for assessing the efficiency of protective embankments, Int. J. Rock Mech. Min., 60, 26–36, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrmms.2012.12.029, 2013.
Leine, R. I., Schweizer, A., Christen, M., Glover, J., Bartelt, P., and Gerber, W.: Simulation of rockfall trajectories with consideration of rock shape, Multibody Syst. Dyn., 32, 241–271, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11044-013-9393-4, 2014.
Lénat, J.-F., Bachèlery, P., and Merle, O.: Anatomy of Piton de la Fournaise volcano (La Réunion, Indian Ocean), Bull. Volcanol., 74, 1945–1961, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00445-012-0640-y, 2012.
Luckman, B. H.: Processes, transport, deposition, and landforms: rockfall, in: Mountain and Hillslope Geomorphology, Treatise on Geomorphology, edited by: Shroder, J. F., Stoffel, M., and Marston, R. A., Reference Module in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences, 7, 174–182, https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-374739-6.00162-7, 2013a.
Luckman, B. H.: Talus slopes, ed.: Elias, S. A., The Encyclopedia of Quaternary Science, 3, 566–573, Elsevier, Amsterdam, 2013b.
Meißl, G.: Modellierung der Reichweite von Felsstürzen, Fallbeispiele zur GIS-gestützten Gefahrenbeurteilung aus dem Bayerischen und Tiroler Alpenraum, PhD thesis, Institute of Geography, University of Innsbruck, Austria, 249 pp., 1998.
Merle, O., Mairine, P., Michon, L., Bachèlery, P., and Smietana, M: Calderas, landslides and paleo-canyons on Piton de la Fournaise volcano (La Réunion Island, Indian Ocean), J. Volcanol. Geoth. Res., 189, 131–142, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2009.11.001, 2010.
Messenzehl, K. and Dikau, R.: Structural and thermal controls of rockfall frequency and magnitude within rockwall-talus systems (Swiss Alps), Earth Surf. Proc. Land., 42, 1963–1981, https://doi.org/10.1002/esp.4155, 2017.
Mikoš, M., Petje, U., and Ribičič, M.: Application of a rockfall simulation program in an Alpine valley in Slovenia, in Proceedings of the INTERPRAEVENT International Symposium Disaster Mitigation of Debris Flows, Slope Failures and Landslides, Niigata, Japan, 25–27 September 2006, 199–211, 2006.
Nappi, M., Budetta, P., Lombardi, G. and Minotta, C.: Rockfall run-out estimate comparing empirical and trajectographic approaches, in: Landslide Science and Practice Volume 6: Risk Assessment, Management and Mitigation, eds.: Margottini, C., Canuti, P., and Sassa, K., Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg, Germany, 177–182, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-31319-6_25, 2013.
Okura, Y., Kitahara, H., Sammori, T., and Kawanami, A.: The effects of rockfall volume on runout distance, Eng. Geol., 58, 109–124, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0013-7952(00)00049-1, 2000.
Peltier, A., Bachèlery, P., and Staudacher, T.: Magma transport and storage at Piton de la Fournaise (La Réunion) between 1972 and 2007: A Review of geophysical and geochemical data, J. Volcanol. Geoth. Res., 184, 93–108, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2008.12.008, 2009a.
Peltier, A., Staudacher, T., Bachèlery, P., and Cayol, V.: Formation of the April 2007 caldera collapse at Piton de la Fournaise volcano: Insights from GPS data, J. Volcanol. Geoth. Res., 184, 152–163, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2008.09.009, 2009b.
Peltier, A., Villeneuve, N., Ferrazzini, V., Testud, S., Hassen, T., Boissier, P., and Catherine, P.: Changes in the long-term geophysical eruptive precursors at Piton de la Fournaise: Implications for the response management, Front. Earth Sci., 6, https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2018.00104, 2018.
Pérez, F. L.: Talus fabric and particle morphology on Lassen Peak, California, Geogr. Ann. A, 71, 43–57, https://doi.org/10.2307/521007, 1989.
Pérez, F. L.: Talus fabric, clast morphology, and botanical indicators of slope processes on the Chaos Crags (California Cascades), USA, Geogr. Phys. Quatern., 52, 1–22, https://doi.org/10.7202/004861ar, 1998.
Pfeiffer, T. J. and Bowen, T. D.: Computer simulations of rockfalls, Bulletin of the Association of Engineering Geologists, 26, 135–146, https://doi.org/10.2113/gseegeosci.xxvi.1.135, 1989.
Popescu, R., Vespremeanu-Stroe, A., Onaca, A., Vasile, M., Cruceru, N., and Pop, O.: Low-altitude permafrost research in an overcooled talus slope–rock glacier system in the Romanian Carpathians (Detunata Goală, Apuseni Mountains), Geomorphology, 295, 840–854, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2017.07.029, 2017.
Rapp, A.: Recent development of mountain slopes in Kärkevagge and surroundings, northern Scandinavia, Geogr. Ann., 42, 65–200, https://doi.org/10.1080/20014422.1960.11880942, 1960.
Ravanel, L., Allignol, F., Deline, P., Gruber, S., and Ravello, M.: Rock falls in the Mont Blanc Massif in 2007 and 2008, Landslides, 7, 493–501, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10346-010-0206-z, 2010.
RIEGL Laser Measurement Systems GmbH: Data Sheet, RIEGL LMS-Z420i, Horn, Austria, 2010.
RIEGL Laser Measurement Systems GmbH: Data Sheet, RIEGL VZ-4000, Horn, Austria, 2020.
Royán, M. J., Abellán, A., Jaboyedoff, M., Vilaplana, J. M., and Calvet, J.: Spatio-temporal analysis of rockfall pre-failure deformation using Terrestrial LiDAR, Landslides, 11, 697–709, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10346-013-0442-0, 2014.
Ruiz-Carulla, R. and Corominas, J.: Analysis of Rockfalls by Means of a Fractal Fragmentation Model, Rock Mech. Rock Eng., 53, 1433–1455, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-019-01987-2, 2020.
Sala, Z., Hutchinson, D. J., and Harrap, R.: Simulation of fragmental rockfalls detected using terrestrial laser scans from rock slopes in south-central British Columbia, Canada, Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 19, 2385–2404, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-19-2385-2019, 2019.
Sandeep, C. S., Luo, L., and Senetakis, K.: Effect of Grain Size and Surface Roughness on the Normal Coefficient of Restitution of Single Grains, Materials, 13, 814, https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13040814, 2020.
Sanders, D., Ostermann, M., and Kramers, J.: Quaternary carbonate-rocky talus slope successions (Eastern Alps, Austria): sedimentary facies and facies architecture, Facies, 55, 345–373, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10347-008-0175-z, 2009.
Sens-Schönfelder, C., Pomponi, E., and Peltier, A.: Dynamics of Piton de la Fournaise volcano observed by passive image interferometry with multiple references, J. Volcanol. Geoth. Res., 276, 32–45, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2014.02.012, 2014.
Serrano, E. Sanjosé, J. J., Gómez-Gutiérrez, Á., and Gómez-Lende, M.: Surface movement and cascade processes on debris cones in temperate high mountain (Picos de Europa, northern Spain), Sci. Total Environ., 649, 1323–1337, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.08.405, 2019.
Statham, I.: Scree slope development under conditions of surface particle movement, T. I. Brit. Geogr., 59, 41–53, https://doi.org/10.2307/621711, 1973.
Statham, I.: A scree slope rockfall model, Earth Surf. Proc., 1, 43–62, https://doi.org/10.1002/esp.3290010106, 1976.
Staudacher, T., Peltier, A., Ferrazzini, V., Di Muro, A., Boissier, P., Catherine, P., Kowalski, P., Lauret, F., and Lebreton, J.: Fifteen years of intense eruptive activity (1998–2013) at Piton de la Fournaise volcano: a review, in: Active Volcanoes of the Southwest Indian Ocean. Piton de la Fournaise and Karthala, eds.: Bachèlery, P., Lénat, J.-F., Di Muro, A., and Michon, L., Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg, Germany, 139–170, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-31395-0_9, 2016.
Strunden, J., Ehlers, T. A., Brehm, D., and Nettesheim, M.: Spatial and temporal variations in rockfall determined from TLS measurements in a deglaciated valley, Switzerland, J. Geophys. Res. Earth Surf., 120, 1251–1273, https://doi.org/10.1002/2014JF003274, 2015.
Urai, M., Geshi, N., and Staudacher, T.: Size and volume evaluation of the caldera collapse on Piton de la Fournaise volcano during the April 2007 eruption using ASTER stereo imagery, Geophys. Res. Lett., 34, 1944–8007, https://doi.org/10.1029/2007GL031551, 2007.
Valeton, I.: Beziehungen zwischen petrographischer Beschaffenheit, Gestalt und Rundungsgrad einiger Flussgerölle (Dependencies between petrographic conditions, shape and rounding of a few bedload gravel), Petermann Geogr. Mitt., 99, 13–17, 1955.
Vanneschi, C., Di Camillo, M., Aiello, E., Bonciani, F., and Salvini, R.: SfM-MVS photogrammetry for rockfall analysis and hazard assessment along the ancient Roman Via Flaminia road at the Furlo gorge (Italy), ISPRS Int. Geo-Inf., 8, 1–23, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi8080325, 2019.
Vilajosana, I., Suriñach, E., Abellán, A., Khazaradze, G., Garcia, D., and Llosa, J.: Rockfall induced seismic signals: case study in Montserrat, Catalonia, Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 8, 805–812, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-8-805-2008, 2008.
Volkwein, A., Schellenberg, K., Labiouse, V., Agliardi, F., Berger, F., Bourrier, F., Dorren, L. K. A., Gerber, W., and Jaboyedoff, M.: Rockfall characterisation and structural protection – a review, Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 11, 2617–2651, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-11-2617-2011, 2011.
Volkwein, A., Brügger, L., Gees, F., Gerber, W., Krummenacher, B., Kummer, P., Lardon, J., and Sutter, T.: Repetitive rockfall trajectory testing, Geosciences, 8, 1–27, https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences8030088, 2018.
Wang, I.-T. and Lee, C.-Y.: Influence of slope shape and surface roughness on the moving paths of a single rockfall, World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology, International Journal of Civil, Environmental, Structural, Construction and Architectural Engineering, 4, 122–128, 2010.
Wang, Y., Jiang, W., Cheng, S., Song, P., and Mao, C.: Effects of the impact angle on the coefficient of restitution in rockfall analysis based on a medium-scale laboratory test, Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 18, 3045–3061, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-18-3045-2018, 2018.
White, S. E.: Alpine mass movement forms (noncatastrophic): Classification, description, and significance, Arctic Alpine Res., 13, 127–137, https://doi.org/10.2307/1551190, 1981.
Whitehouse, I. E. and McSaveney, M. J.: Diachronous talus surfaces in the Southern Alps, New Zealand, and their implications to talus accumulation, Arctic Alpine Res., 15, 53–64, https://doi.org/10.2307/1550981, 1983.
Wichmann, V.: The Gravitational Process Path (GPP) model (v1.0) – a GIS-based simulation framework for gravitational processes, Geosci. Model Dev., 10, 3309–3327, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-10-3309-2017, 2017.
Yamamoto, T., Takada, A., Ishizuka, Y., Miyaji, N., and Tajima, Y.: Basaltic pyroclastic flows of Fuji volcano, Japan: characteristics of the deposits and their origin, Bull. Volcanol., 67, 622–633, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00445-004-0398-y, 2005.
Zevenbergen, L. W. and Thorne, C. R.: Quantitative analysis of land surface topography, Earth Surf. Proc. Land., 12, 47–56, https://doi.org/10.1002/esp.3290120107, 1987.
Short summary
In mountainous regions rockfall is a common geomorphic process. We selected four study sites that feature different rock types. High-resolution terrestrial laser scanning data were acquired to measure the block size and block shape (axial ratio) of rockfall particles on the scree deposits. Laser scanning data were also used to characterize the morphology of these landforms. Our results show that hill slope and rock particle properties govern rock particle runout in a complex manner.
In mountainous regions rockfall is a common geomorphic process. We selected four study sites...
Altmetrics
Final-revised paper
Preprint