Articles | Volume 23, issue 1
https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-23-329-2023
© Author(s) 2023. 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-23-329-2023
© Author(s) 2023. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
27 Jan 2023
Research article |
| 27 Jan 2023
| 27 Jan 2023
Evaluation of low-cost Raspberry Pi sensors for structure-from-motion reconstructions of glacier calving fronts
School of Geography and water@leeds, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
Duncan J. Quincey
School of Geography and water@leeds, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
Mark W. Smith
School of Geography and water@leeds, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
Related authors
Guanyu Li, Mingyang Lv, Duncan J. Quincey, Liam S. Taylor, Xinwu Li, Shiyong Yan, Yidan Sun, and Huadong Guo
The Cryosphere, 17, 2891–2907, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-2891-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-2891-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Kyagar Glacier in the Karakoram is well known for its surge history and its frequent blocking of the downstream valley, leading to a series of high-magnitude glacial lake outburst floods. Using it as a test bed, we develop a new approach for quantifying surge behaviour using successive digital elevation models. This method could be applied to other surge studies. Combined with the results from optical satellite images, we also reconstruct the surge process in unprecedented detail.
Anya Schlich-Davies, Ann Rowan, Andrew Ross, Duncan Quincey, and Vivi Pedersen
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.31223/X5SH7C, https://doi.org/10.31223/X5SH7C, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Glaciers in the Himalaya are rapidly losing ice in response to climate change. We use a representation of mesoscale meteorological variables to force a climate-glacier model that represents important surface processes such as sublimation, avalanching, and the evolution of supraglacial debris. We find that warming air temperatures increase annual precipitation sufficiently to offset half of glacier volume loss by the end of the century compared with simulations forced only by temperature change.
Anna Wendleder, Jasmin Bramboeck, Jamie Izzard, Thilo Erbertseder, Pablo d'Angelo, Andreas Schmitt, Duncan J. Quincey, Christoph Mayer, and Matthias H. Braun
The Cryosphere, 18, 1085–1103, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-1085-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-1085-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This study analyses the basal sliding and the hydrological drainage of Baltoro Glacier, Pakistan. The surface velocity was characterized by a spring speed-up, summer peak, and autumn speed-up. Snow melt has the largest impact on the spring speed-up, summer velocity peak, and the transition from inefficient to efficient drainage. Drainage from supraglacial lakes contributed to the fall speed-up. Increased summer temperatures will intensify the magnitude of meltwater and thus surface velocities.
Guanyu Li, Mingyang Lv, Duncan J. Quincey, Liam S. Taylor, Xinwu Li, Shiyong Yan, Yidan Sun, and Huadong Guo
The Cryosphere, 17, 2891–2907, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-2891-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-2891-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Kyagar Glacier in the Karakoram is well known for its surge history and its frequent blocking of the downstream valley, leading to a series of high-magnitude glacial lake outburst floods. Using it as a test bed, we develop a new approach for quantifying surge behaviour using successive digital elevation models. This method could be applied to other surge studies. Combined with the results from optical satellite images, we also reconstruct the surge process in unprecedented detail.
Christopher D. Stringer, Jonathan L. Carrivick, Duncan J. Quincey, and Daniel Nývlt
Earth Syst. Sci. Data Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-2022-250, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-2022-250, 2022
Revised manuscript not accepted
Short summary
Short summary
Glaciers in Antarctica have been decreasing in size at a fast rate, leading to the expansion of proglacial areas, with wide-ranging ecological implications. Several global land-cover maps exist, but they do not include Antarctica. We map land cover types across West Antarctica and the McMurdo Dry Valleys to a high degree of accuracy (77.0 %). We highlight the spatial variation in land cover and emphasise the need for more field data.
Gregoire Guillet, Owen King, Mingyang Lv, Sajid Ghuffar, Douglas Benn, Duncan Quincey, and Tobias Bolch
The Cryosphere, 16, 603–623, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-603-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-603-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Surging glaciers show cyclical changes in flow behavior – between slow and fast flow – and can have drastic impacts on settlements in their vicinity.
One of the clusters of surging glaciers worldwide is High Mountain Asia (HMA).
We present an inventory of surging glaciers in HMA, identified from satellite imagery. We show that the number of surging glaciers was underestimated and that they represent 20 % of the area covered by glaciers in HMA, before discussing new physics for glacier surges.
Mingyang Lv, Huadong Guo, Xiancai Lu, Guang Liu, Shiyong Yan, Zhixing Ruan, Yixing Ding, and Duncan J. Quincey
The Cryosphere, 13, 219–236, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-13-219-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-13-219-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
We highlight 28 glaciers in the Kingata Mountains, among which 17 have changed markedly over the last decade. We identify four advancing and 13 surge-type glaciers. The dynamic evolution of the surges is similar to that of Karakoram, suggesting that both hydrological and thermal controls are important for surge initiation and recession. Topography seems to be a dominant control on non-surge glacier behaviour. Most glaciers experienced a significant and diverse change in their motion patterns.
Evan S. Miles, C. Scott Watson, Fanny Brun, Etienne Berthier, Michel Esteves, Duncan J. Quincey, Katie E. Miles, Bryn Hubbard, and Patrick Wagnon
The Cryosphere, 12, 3891–3905, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-12-3891-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-12-3891-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
We use high-resolution satellite imagery and field visits to assess the growth and drainage of a lake on Changri Shar Glacier in the Everest region, and its impact. The lake filled and drained within 3 months, which is a shorter interval than would be detected by standard monitoring protocols, but forced re-routing of major trails in several locations. The water appears to have flowed beneath Changri Shar and Khumbu glaciers in an efficient manner, suggesting pre-existing developed flow paths.
Ann V. Rowan, Lindsey Nicholson, Emily Collier, Duncan J. Quincey, Morgan J. Gibson, Patrick Wagnon, David R. Rounce, Sarah S. Thompson, Owen King, C. Scott Watson, Tristram D. L. Irvine-Fynn, and Neil F. Glasser
The Cryosphere Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-2017-239, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-2017-239, 2017
Revised manuscript not accepted
Short summary
Short summary
Many glaciers in the Himalaya are covered with thick layers of rock debris that acts as an insulating blanket and so reduces melting of the underlying ice. Little is known about how melt beneath supraglacial debris varies across glaciers and through the monsoon season. We measured debris temperatures across three glaciers and several years to investigate seasonal trends, and found that sub-debris ice melt can be predicted using a temperature–depth relationship with surface temperature data.
Katie E. Miles, Bryn Hubbard, Tristam D. L. Irvine-Fynn, Evan S. Miles, Duncan J. Quincey, and Ann V. Rowan
The Cryosphere Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-2017-210, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-2017-210, 2017
Preprint withdrawn
Short summary
Short summary
The production and routing of meltwater through glaciers is important because that water influences glacier sliding, and represents a resource in some instances and a hazard in others. Despite this importance, very little is known about the hydrology of debris-covered glaciers, which are commonly located at high altitudes. Here, we present a review of the hydrology of debris-covered glaciers, summarizing the current state of knowledge and identify potential future research priorities.
Owen King, Duncan J. Quincey, Jonathan L. Carrivick, and Ann V. Rowan
The Cryosphere, 11, 407–426, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-11-407-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-11-407-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
We used multiple digital elevation models to quantify melt on 32 glaciers in the Everest region of the Himalayas. We examined whether patterns of melt differed depending on whether the glacier terminated on land or in water. We found that glaciers terminating in large lakes had the highest melt rates, but that those terminating in small lakes had comparable melt rates to those terminating on land. We carried out this research because Himalayan people are highly dependent on glacier meltwater.
S. J. Cook and D. J. Quincey
Earth Surf. Dynam., 3, 559–575, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-3-559-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-3-559-2015, 2015
Short summary
Short summary
We compiled data on Alpine glacial lake morphometry to test empirical relationships that are used to estimate lake volume for the modelling of glacial lake outburst floods. We find wide scatter in the relationship between lake area and depth, and between area and volume, and identify contexts where existing empirical relationships are poor volume predictors. We generate a data-driven conceptual model of how lake volume should be expected to scale with area for a range of glacial lake contexts.
D. R. Rounce, D. J. Quincey, and D. C. McKinney
The Cryosphere, 9, 2295–2310, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-9-2295-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-9-2295-2015, 2015
Short summary
Short summary
A debris-covered glacier energy balance was used to model debris temperatures and sub-debris ablation rates on Imja-Lhotse Shar Glacier during the 2014 melt season. Field measurements were used to assess model performance. A novel method was also developed using Structure from Motion to estimate the surface roughness. Lastly, the effects of temporal resolution, i.e., 6h and daily time steps, and various methods for estimating the latent heat flux were also investigated.
D. J. Quincey and A. Luckman
The Cryosphere, 8, 571–574, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-8-571-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-8-571-2014, 2014
A. A. W. Fitzpatrick, A. L. Hubbard, J. E. Box, D. J. Quincey, D. van As, A. P. B. Mikkelsen, S. H. Doyle, C. F. Dow, B. Hasholt, and G. A. Jones
The Cryosphere, 8, 107–121, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-8-107-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-8-107-2014, 2014
T. O. Holt, N. F. Glasser, D. J. Quincey, and M. R. Siegfried
The Cryosphere, 7, 797–816, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-7-797-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-7-797-2013, 2013
Related subject area
Other Hazards (e.g., Glacial and Snow Hazards, Karst, Wildfires Hazards, and Medical Geo-Hazards)
The effect of slab touchdown on anticrack arrest in propagation saw tests
Proglacial lake development and outburst flood hazard at Fjallsjökull glacier, southeast Iceland
Assessing the performance and explainability of an avalanche danger forecast model
Development of operational decision support tools for mechanized ski guiding using avalanche terrain modeling, GPS tracking, and machine learning
Causes, consequences and implications of the 2023 landslide-induced Lake Rasac glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF), Cordillera Huayhuash, Peru
The Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES) v.2
Review article: A scoping review of human factors in avalanche decision-making
A quantitative module of avalanche hazard – comparing forecaster assessments of storm and persistent slab avalanche problems with information derived from distributed snowpack simulations
Modelling current and future forest fire susceptibility in north-eastern Germany
The effect of propagation saw test geometries on critical cut length
Statistical calibration of probabilistic medium-range Fire Weather Index forecasts in Europe
Failure of Marmolada Glacier (Dolomites, Italy) in 2022: Data-based back analysis of possible collapse mechanisms as related to recent morpho-climatic evolution and possible trigger factors
Seismic Signal Classification of Snow Avalanches using Distributed Acoustic Sensing in Grasdalen, Western Norway
Glide-snow avalanches: a mechanical, threshold-based release area model
Improving fire severity prediction in south-eastern Australia using vegetation-specific information
Forecasting avalanche danger: human-made forecasts vs. fully automated model-driven predictions
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
Simulation of cold powder avalanches considering daily snowpack and weather situations to enhance road safety
Supershear crack propagation in snow slab avalanche release: new insights from numerical simulations and field measurements
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
An Efficient Method to Simulate Wildfire Propagation Using Irregular Grids
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
Characterizing the rate of spread of large wildfires in emerging fire environments of northwestern Europe using Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite active fire data
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
Philipp L. Rosendahl, Johannes Schneider, Grégoire Bobillier, Florian Rheinschmidt, Bastian Bergfeld, Alec van Herwijnen, and Philipp Weißgraeber
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 1975–1991, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-1975-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-1975-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Avalanche formation depends on crack propagation in weak snow layers, but the conditions that stop a crack remain unclear. We show that slab touchdown reduces the energy driving crack growth, which can halt propagation even under static conditions. This suggests that crack arrest is influenced not only by snowpack variability or dynamics but also by mechanical interactions within the snowpack. Our findings refine avalanche prediction models and improve hazard assessment.
Greta H. Wells, Þorsteinn Sæmundsson, Finnur Pálsson, Guðfinna Aðalgeirsdóttir, Eyjólfur Magnússon, Reginald L. Hermanns, and Snævarr Guðmundsson
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 1913–1936, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-1913-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-1913-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Glacier retreat elevates the risk of landslides released into proglacial lakes, which can trigger glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). This study maps proglacial lake evolution and GLOF hazard scenarios at Fjallsjökull glacier, Iceland. Lake volume increased from 1945 to 2021 and is estimated to triple over the next century. Three slopes are prone to landslides that may trigger GLOFs. Results will mitigate flood hazard at this popular tourism site and advance GLOF research in Iceland and globally.
Cristina Pérez-Guillén, Frank Techel, Michele Volpi, and Alec van Herwijnen
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 1331–1351, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-1331-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-1331-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
This study assesses the performance and explainability of a random-forest classifier for predicting dry-snow avalanche danger levels during initial live testing. The model achieved ∼ 70 % agreement with human forecasts, performing equally well in nowcast and forecast modes, while capturing the temporal dynamics of avalanche forecasting. The explainability approach enhances the transparency of the model's decision-making process, providing a valuable tool for operational avalanche forecasting.
John Sykes, Pascal Haegeli, Roger Atkins, Patrick Mair, and Yves Bühler
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 1255–1292, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-1255-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-1255-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
We model the decision-making of professional ski guides and develop decision support tools to assist with determining appropriate terrain based on current conditions. Our approach compares a manually constructed Bayesian network with machine learning classification models. The models accurately capture the real-world decision-making outcomes in 85–93 % of cases. Our conclusions focus on strengths and weaknesses of each model and discuss ramifications for practical applications in ski guiding.
Adam Emmer, Oscar Vilca, Cesar Salazar Checa, Sihan Li, Simon Cook, Elena Pummer, Jan Hrebrina, and Wilfried Haeberli
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 1207–1228, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-1207-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-1207-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
We describe in detail the most recent large landslide-triggered glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) in the Peruvian Andes (the 2023 Rasac GLOF), analysing its preconditions and consequences, as well as the role of the changing climate. Our study contributes to understanding GLOF occurrence patterns in space and time and corroborates reports detailing the increasing frequency of such events in changing mountains.
Grant Statham and Cam Campbell
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 1113–1137, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-1113-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-1113-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
The Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES) is an avalanche terrain rating system used for terrain assessment and risk communication in public and workplace avalanche safety practices. This paper introduces ATES v.2, an update that expands the original scale from three levels to five by including Class 0 – Non-avalanche terrain and Class 4 – Extreme terrain. The updated models for assessment and communication are described in detail, along with guidance for the application of ATES.
Audun Hetland, Rebecca A. Hetland, Tarjei Tveito Skille, and Andrea Mannberg
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 929–948, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-929-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-929-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Research on human factors in avalanche decision-making has become increasingly popular in the past 2 decades. The studies span a wide range of disciplines and are published in a variety of journals. To provide an overview of this literature, this study provides a systematic scoping review of human factors in avalanche decision-making. A total of 70 papers fulfilled the search criteria. We extracted data and sorted the papers according to their main themes.
Florian Herla, Pascal Haegeli, Simon Horton, and Patrick Mair
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 625–646, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-625-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-625-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
We present a spatial framework for extracting information about avalanche problems from detailed snowpack simulations and compare the numerical results against operational assessments from avalanche forecasters. Despite good agreement in seasonal summary statistics, a comparison of daily assessments revealed considerable differences, while it remained unclear which data source represented reality the best. We discuss how snowpack simulations can add value to the forecasting process.
Katharina H. Horn, Stenka Vulova, Hanyu Li, and Birgit Kleinschmit
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 383–401, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-383-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-383-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
In this study we applied a random forest machine learning algorithm to model current and future forest fire susceptibility (FFS) in north-eastern Germany using anthropogenic, climatic, topographic, soil, and vegetation variables. Model accuracy ranged between 69 % and 71 %, showing moderately high model reliability for predicting FFS. The model results underline the importance of anthropogenic and vegetation parameters. This study will support regional forest fire prevention and management.
Bastian Bergfeld, Karl W. Birkeland, Valentin Adam, Philipp L. Rosendahl, and Alec van Herwijnen
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 321–334, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-321-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-321-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
To release a slab avalanche, a crack in a weak snow layer beneath a cohesive slab has to propagate. Information on that is essential for assessing avalanche risk. In the field, information can be gathered with the propagation saw test (PST). However, there are different standards on how to cut the PST. In this study, we experimentally investigate the effect of these different column geometries and provide models to correct for imprecise field test geometry effects on the critical cut length.
Stephanie Bohlmann and Marko Laine
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 4225–4235, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-4225-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-4225-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Probabilistic ensemble forecasts of the Canadian Forest Fire Weather Index (FWI) can be used to estimate the possible wildfire risk but require post-processing to provide accurate and reliable predictions. This article presents a calibration method using non-homogeneous Gaussian regression to statistically post-process FWI forecasts up to 15 d. Calibration improves the forecast especially at short lead times and in regions with high fire risk.
Roberto Giovanni Francese, Roberto Valentino, Wilfried Haeberli, Aldino Bondesan, Massimo Giorgi, Stefano Picotti, Franco Pettenati, Denis Sandron, Gianni Ramponi, and Mauro Valt
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-2024-212, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-2024-212, 2024
Revised manuscript accepted for NHESS
Short summary
Short summary
The deadly collapse of the Marmolada Glacier in Italy in July 2022, is part of a global trend of rapid glacial retreat due to climate change. The event was influenced by permafrost degradation and abnormal warming. Historical data, geophysical surveys, and numerical simulations were used to analyze the collapse. Ice fracturing, water infiltration, and basal lubrication were key contributors. Predicting glacier instability is rather complex but monitoring is vital to cope with the hazard.
Franz Kleine, Charlotte Bruland, Andreas Wüstefeld, Volker Oye, and Martin Landrø
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-2024-202, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-2024-202, 2024
Revised manuscript accepted for NHESS
Short summary
Short summary
We used a fiber optic cable along a road in western Norway to study snow avalanches signals. Our study shows that avalanches create distinct signals in the 20–50 Hz frequency range, with larger ones having weak early warning signals. However, road traffic interference complicates automatic detection. This research highlights the potential of using existing infrastructure for avalanche monitoring. Further improvements are needed for automated detection.
Amelie Fees, Alec van Herwijnen, Michael Lombardo, Jürg Schweizer, and Peter Lehmann
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 3387–3400, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-3387-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-3387-2024, 2024
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 uniformity, while the variations in snowpack properties had little influence.
Kang He, Xinyi Shen, Cory Merow, Efthymios Nikolopoulos, Rachael V. Gallagher, Feifei Yang, and Emmanouil N. Anagnostou
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 3337–3355, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-3337-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-3337-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
A framework combining 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 projected future climate conditions.
Frank Techel, Stephanie Mayer, Ross S. Purves, Günter Schmudlach, and Kurt Winkler
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-2024-158, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-2024-158, 2024
Revised manuscript accepted for NHESS
Short summary
Short summary
We evaluate fully data- and model-driven predictions of avalanche danger in Switzerland and compare them with human-made avalanche forecasts as a benchmark. We show that model predictions perform similarly to human forecasts calling for a systematic integration of forecast chains into the forecasting process.
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.
Julia Glaus, Katreen Wikstrom Jones, Perry Bartelt, Marc Christen, Lukas Stoffel, Johan Gaume, and Yves Bühler
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-771, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-771, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This study assesses RAMMS::EXTENDED's predictive power in estimating avalanche run-out distances critical for mountain road safety. Leveraging meteorological data and sensitivity analysis, it offers meaningful predictions, aiding near real-time hazard assessments and future model refinement for improved decision-making.
Grégoire Bobillier, Bertil Trottet, Bastian Bergfeld, Ron Simenhois, Alec van Herwijnen, Jürg Schweizer, and Johan Gaume
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-2024-70, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-2024-70, 2024
Revised manuscript accepted for NHESS
Short summary
Short summary
Our study focuses on the initiation process of snow slab avalanches. By combining experimental data and numerical simulations, we show that on gentle slopes, a crack forms and propagates due to compression fracture within a weak layer, and on steep slopes, the crack velocity can increase dramatically after about 5 meters due to a fracture mode transition (compression to shear). Understanding these dynamics represents an essential additional piece in the dry-snow slab avalanche formation puzzle.
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.
Conor Hackett, Rafael de Andrade Moral, Gourav Mishra, Tim McCarthy, and Charles Markham
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-2024-27, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-2024-27, 2024
Revised manuscript accepted for NHESS
Short summary
Short summary
This paper reviews existing wildfire propagation models and a comparison of different grid types including random grids to simulate wildfires. This paper finds that irregular grids simulate wildfires more efficiently than continuous models while still retaining a reasonable level of similarity. It also shows that irregular grids tend to retain greater similarity to continuous models than regular grids at the cost of slightly longer computational times.
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.
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.
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.
Cited articles
Aggarwal, S., Mishra, P. K., Sumakar, K. V. S., and Chaturvedi, P.: Landslide
Monitoring System Implementing IOT Using Video Camera, in: 2018 3rd
International Conference for Convergence in Technology (I2CT), 1–4,
https://doi.org/10.1109/I2CT.2018.8529424, 2018.
Anandakrishnan, S., Bilén, S. G., Urbina, J. V., Bock, R. G., Burkett, P. G.,
and Portelli, J. P: The geoPebble System: Design and Implementation of a
Wireless Sensor Network of GPS-Enabled Seismic Sensors for the Study of
Glaciers and Ice Sheets, Geosci., 12, 17,
https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences12010017, 2022.
Armstrong, L., Lacelle, D., Fraser, R. H., Kokelj, S., and Knudby, A.: Thaw
slump activity measured using stationary cameras in time-lapse and
Structure-from-Motion photogrammetry, Arctic Sci., 4, 827–845,
https://doi.org/10.1139/as-2018-0016, 2018.
Bemis, S. P., Micklethwaite, S., Turner, D., James, M. R., Akciz, S., Thiele,
S. T., and Bangash, H. A.: Ground-based and UAV-Based photogrammetry: A
multi-scale, high-resolution mapping tool for structural geology and
paleoseismology, J. Struct. Geol., 69, 163–178,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsg.2014.10.007, 2014.
Benn, D. I., Warren, C. R., and Mottram, R. H.: Calving processes and the
dynamics of calving glaciers. Earth-Sci. Rev., 82, 143–179,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2007.02.002, 2007.
Bhardwaj, A., Sam, L., Akanksha, Martín-Torres, F. J., and Kumar, R.:
UAVs as remote sensing platform in glaciology: Present applications and
future prospects, Remote Sens. Environ., 175, 196–204,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rse.2015.12.029, 2016.
Blanch, X., Abellan, A., and Guinau, M. Point Cloud Stacking: A Workflow to
Enhance 3D Monitoring Capabilities Using Time-Lapse Cameras, Remote Sens.,
12, 1240, https://doi.org/10.3390/rs12081240, 2020.
Brecher, H. H. and Thompson, L. G.: Measurement of the retreat of Qori Kalis
glacier in the tropical Andes of Peru by terrestrial photogrammetry,
Photogramm. Eng. Rem. S., 59, 371–379, 1993.
Bunce, C., Nienow, P., Sole, A., Cowton, T., and Davison, B.: Influence of
glacier runoff and near-terminus subglacial hydrology on frontal ablation at
a large Greenlandic tidewater glacier, J. Glaciol., 67, 343–352,
https://doi.org/10.1017/jog.2020.109, 2021.
Carvallo, R., Llanos, P., Noceti, R., and Casassa, G.: Real-time transmission
of time-lapse imagery of glaciers in the southern Andes, in: 2017 First IEEE
International Symposium of Geoscience and Remote Sensing (GRSS-CHILE),
1–3, https://doi.org/10.1109/GRSS-CHILE.2017.7996019, 2017.
Chakraborty, S., Das, S., Rai, N., Patra, A., Dhar, A., Sadhu, A., Gautam,
B., Verma, P., Singh, A., Sherpa, C., and Karn, L.: Development of UAV Based
Glacial Lake Outburst Monitoring System, in: IGARSS 2019–2019 IEEE
International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium., 9372–9375,
https://doi.org/10.1109/IGARSS.2019.8900454, 2019.
Chandler, B. M. P., Evans, D. J. A., Chandler, S. J. P., Ewertowski, M. W., Lovell,
H., Roberts, D. H., Schaefer, M., and Tomczyk, A. M.: The glacial landsystem of
Fjallsjökull, Iceland: Spatial and temporal evolution of process-form
regimes at an active temperate glacier, Geomorphology, 361, 107192,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2020.107192, 2020.
Chudley, T. R., Christoffersen, P., Doyle, S. H., Abellan, A., and Snooke, N.: High-accuracy UAV photogrammetry of ice sheet dynamics with no ground control, The Cryosphere, 13, 955–968, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-13-955-2019, 2019.
Danielson, B. and Sharp, M.: Development and application of a time-lapse
photograph analysis method to investigate the link between tidewater glacier
flow variations and supraglacial lake drainage events, J. Glaciol., 59,
287–302, https://doi.org/10.3189/2013JoG12J108, 2013.
Dell, R., Carr, R., Phillips, E., and Russell, A. J.: Response of glacier flow
and structure to proglacial lake development and climate at
Fjallsjökull, south-east Iceland, J. Glaciol., 65, 321–336,
https://doi.org/10.1017/jog.2019.18, 2019.
Eastwood, J., Sims-Waterhouse, D., Weir, R., Piano, S., and Leach, R.,K.:
Autonomous close-range photogrammetry using machine learning, in: Proc.
ISMTII2019, Niigata, Japan, 1–6 pp., 2019.
Eastwood, J., Zhang, H., Isa, M., Sims-Waterhouse, D., Leach, R., and Piano,
S.: Smart photogrammetry for three-dimensional shape measurement, in: Optics
and Photonics for Advanced Dimensional Metrology, SPIE Photonics
Europe, 43–52, https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2556462, 2020.
Eltner, A., Kaiser, A., Abellan, A., and Schindewolf, M.: Time lapse
structure-from-motion photogrammetry for continuous geomorphic monitoring:
Time-lapse photogrammetry for continuous geomorphic monitoring, Earth Surf.
Proc. Land., 42, 2240–2253, https://doi.org/10.1002/esp.4178, 2017.
Emmer, A., Merkl, S., and Mergili, M.: Spatiotemporal patterns of
high-mountain lakes and related hazards in western Austria, Geomorphology,
246, 602–616, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2015.06.032, 2015.
Esposito, G., Salvini, R., Matano, F., Sacchi, M., Danzi, M., Somma, R., and
Troise, C.: Multitemporal monitoring of coastal landslide through
SfM-derived point cloud comparison, Photogramm. Rec., 32, 459–479,
https://doi.org/10.1111/phor.12218, 2017.
Fallourd, R., Vernier, F., Friedt, J.-M., Martin, G., Trouvé, E.,
Moreau, L., and Nicolas, J.-M.: Monitoring temperate glacier with high
resolution automated digital cameras – Application to the Argentière
glacier, ISPRS Commission III Symposium, Paris, France, 19–23 pp., 2010.
Ferdoush, S. and Li, X.: Wireless Sensor Network System Design Using
Raspberry Pi and Arduino for Environmental Monitoring Applications, Proc.
Comput. Sci., 34, 103–110, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2014.07.059,
2014.
Fugazza, D., Scaioni, M., Corti, M., D'Agata, C., Azzoni, R. S., Cernuschi, M., Smiraglia, C., and Diolaiuti, G. A.: Combination of UAV and terrestrial photogrammetry to assess rapid glacier evolution and map glacier hazards, Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 18, 1055–1071, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-18-1055-2018, 2018.
Giordan, D., Allasia, P., Dematteis, N., Dell'Anese, F., Vagliasindi, M., and
Motta, E.: A Low-Cost Optical Remote Sensing Application for Glacier
Deformation Monitoring in an Alpine Environment, Sensors, 16, 1750,
https://doi.org/10.3390/s16101750, 2016.
Giordan, D., Dematteis, N., Allasia, P., and Motta, E.: Classification and
kinematics of the Planpincieux Glacier break-offs using photographic
time-lapse analysis, J. Glaciol., 1–15,
https://doi.org/10.1017/jog.2019.99, 2020.
Haemmig, C., Huss, M., Keusen, H., Hess, J., Wegmüller, U., Ao, Z., and
Kulubayi, W.: Hazard assessment of glacial lake outburst floods from Kyagar
glacier, Karakoram mountains, China, Ann. Glaciol., 55, 34–44,
https://doi.org/10.3189/2014AoG66A001, 2014.
Hart, J. K. and Martinez, K.: Environmental Sensor Networks: A revolution in
the earth system science?, Earth-Sci. Rev., 78, 177–191,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2006.05.001, 2006.
Holmes, F. A., Kirchner, N., Prakash, A., Stranne, C., Dijkstra, S., and
Jakobsson, M.: Calving at Ryder Glacier, Northern Greenland, JGR Earth
Surf., 126, e2020JF005872, https://doi.org/10.1029/2020JF005872, 2021.
How, P., Schild, K. M., Benn, D. I., Noormets, R., Kirchner, N., Luckman, A.,
Vallot, D., Hulton, N. R. J., and Borstad, C.: Calving controlled by
melt-under-cutting: detailed calving styles revealed through time-lapse
observations, Ann. Glaciol., 60, 20–31,
https://doi.org/10.1017/aog.2018.28, 2019.
How, P., Hulton, N. R. J., Buie, L., and Benn, D. I.: PyTrx: A Python-Based
Monoscopic Terrestrial Photogrammetry Toolset for Glaciology, Front Earth
Sci., 8, 21, https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2020.00021, 2020.
Howarth, P. J. and Price, R. J.: The Proglacial Lakes of
Breidamerkurjökull and Fjallsjökull, Iceland, Geogr. J., 135,
573, https://doi.org/10.2307/1795105, 1969.
Huggel, C., Cochachin, A., Drenkhan, F., Fluixa-Sanmartin, J., Frey, H.,
Garcia Hernandez, J., Jurt, C., Muñoz Asmat, R., Price, K., and
Vicuña, L.: Glacier Lake 513, Peru: Lessons for early warning service
development, WMO Bulletin. 69, 45–52, 2020.
James, M. R. and Robson, S.: Straightforward reconstruction of 3D surfaces
and topography with a camera: Accuracy and geoscience application: 3D
Surfaces and Topography with a camera, J. Geophys. Res-Earth., 117, F3,
https://doi.org/10.1029/2011JF002289, 2012.
James, M. R., Robson, S., and Smith, M.W.: 3-D uncertainty-based topographic
change detection with structure-from-motion photogrammetry: precision maps
for ground control and directly georeferenced surveys, Earth Surf. Proc.
Land., 42, 1769–1788, https://doi.org/10.1002/esp.4125, 2017.
James, T. D., Murray, T., Selmes, N., Scharrer, K., and O'Leary, M.: Buoyant
flexure and basal crevassing in dynamic mass loss at Helheim Glacier, Nat.
Geosci., 7, 593–596, https://doi.org/10.1038/ngeo2204, 2014.
Jawak, S. D., Kulkarni, K., and Luis, A. J.: A Review on Extraction of Lakes
from Remotely Sensed Optical Satellite Data with a Special Focus on
Cryospheric Lakes, Adv. Rem. Sens., 04, 196,
https://doi.org/10.4236/ars.2015.43016, 2015.
Jouvet, G., Weidmann, Y., Seguinot, J., Funk, M., Abe, T., Sakakibara, D., Seddik, H., and Sugiyama, S.: Initiation of a major calving event on the Bowdoin Glacier captured by UAV photogrammetry, The Cryosphere, 11, 911–921, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-11-911-2017, 2017.
Kääb, A.: Photogrammetry for early recognition of high mountain
hazards: New techniques and applications, Phys. Chem. Earth Pt. B., 25,
765–770, https://doi.org/10.1016/S1464-1909(00)00099-X, 2000.
Kaufmann, V.: The evolution of rock glacier monitoring using terrestrial
photogrammetry: the example of Äußeres Hochebenkar rock glacier
(Austria), Aust. J. Earth Sci., 105, 63–77, 2012.
Kienholz, C., Amundson, J. M., Motyka, R. J., Jackson, R. H., Mickett, J. B.,
Sutherland, D. A., Nash, J. D., Winters, D. S., Dryer, W. P., and Truffer, M:
Tracking icebergs with time-lapse photography and sparse optical flow,
LeConte Bay, Alaska, 2016–2017, J. Glaciol., 65, 195–211,
https://doi.org/10.1017/jog.2018.105, 2019.
Kneib, M., Miles, E. S., Buri, P., Fugger, S., McCarthy, M., Shaw, T. E., Chuanxi, Z., Truffer, M., Westoby, M. J., Yang, W., and Pellicciotti, F.: Sub-seasonal variability of supraglacial ice cliff melt rates and associated processes from time-lapse photogrammetry, The Cryosphere, 16, 4701–4725, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-4701-2022, 2022.
Kromer, R., Walton, G., Gray, B., Lato, M., and Group, R.: Development and
Optimization of an Automated Fixed-Location Time Lapse Photogrammetric Rock
Slope Monitoring System, Remote Sens., 11, 1890,
https://doi.org/10.3390/rs11161890, 2019.
Lague, D., Brodu, N., and Leroux, J.: Accurate 3D comparison of complex
topography with terrestrial laser scanner: Application to the Rangitikei
canyon (N-Z), ISPRS Photogramm, 82, 10–26,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isprsjprs.2013.04.009, 2013.
Lewińska, P., Głowacki, O., Moskalik, M., and Smith, W.A.P.: Evaluation
of structure-from-motion for analysis of small-scale glacier dynamics,
Measurement, 168, 108327, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.measurement.2020.108327,
2021.
Luckman, A., Benn, D. I., Cottier, F., Bevan, S., Nilsen, F., and Inall, M.:
Calving rates at tidewater glaciers vary strongly with ocean temperature,
Nat. Commun., 6, 8566, https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms9566, 2015.
Luetzenburg, G., Kroon, A., and Bjørk, A. A.: Evaluation of the Apple
iPhone 12 Pro LiDAR for an Application in Geosciences, Sci. Rep., 11,
22221, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-01763-9 , 2021.
Lüthi, M. P. and Vieli, A.: Multi-method observation and analysis of a tsunami caused by glacier calving, The Cryosphere, 10, 995–1002, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-10-995-2016, 2016.
Mallalieu, J., Carrivick, J. L., Quincey, D. J., Smith, M. W., and James,
W. H. M.: An integrated Structure-from-Motion and time-lapse technique for
quantifying ice-margin dynamics, J. Glaciol., 63, 937–949,
https://doi.org/10.1017/jog.2017.48, 2017.
Mallalieu, J., Carrivick, J. L., Quincey, D. J., and Smith, M. W.: Calving
Seasonality Associated With Melt-Undercutting and Lake Ice Cover, Geophys.
Res. Lett., 47, e2019GL086561, https://doi.org/10.1029/2019GL086561, 2020.
Marzeion, B., Cogley, J. G., Richter, K., and Parkes, D.: Attribution of
global glacier mass loss to anthropogenic and natural causes, Science,
345, 919–921, https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1254702, 2014.
Medrzycka, D., Benn, D. I., Box, J. E., Copland, L., and Balog, J.: Calving
behavior at Rink Isbrae, West Greenland, from time-lapse photos, Arct.
Antarct. Alp. Res., 48, 263–277,
https://doi.org/10.1657/AAAR0015-059, 2016.
Messerli, A. and Grinsted, A.: Image georectification and feature tracking toolbox: ImGRAFT, Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 4, 23–34, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-4-23-2015, 2015.
Micheletti, N., Chandler, J. H., and Lane, S. N.: Investigating the
geomorphological potential of freely available and accessible
structure-from-motion photogrammetry using a smartphone, Earth Surf. Proc.
Land., 40, 473–486, https://doi.org/10.1002/esp.3648, 2015.
Minowa, M., Podolskiy, E. A., Sugiyama, S., Sakakibara, D., and Skvarca, P.:
Glacier calving observed with time-lapse imagery and tsunami waves at
Glaciar Perito Moreno, Patagonia, J. Glaciol., 64, 362–376,
https://doi.org/10.1017/jog.2018.28, 2018.
Mosbrucker, A. R., Major, J. J., Spicer, K. R., and Pitlick, J.: Camera system
considerations for geomorphic applications of SfM photogrammetry, Earth
Surf. Proc. Land., 42, 969–986, https://doi.org/10.1002/esp.4066, 2017.
Mulsow, C., Koschitzki, R., and Maas, H.-G.: Photogrammetric monitoring of
glacier margin lakes, Geomat. Nat. Haz. Risk, 6, 861–879,
https://doi.org/10.1080/19475705.2014.939232, 2015.
Nota, E. W., Nijland, W., and de Haas, T.: Improving UAV-SfM time-series
accuracy by co-alignment and contributions of ground control or RTK
positioning, Int. J. Appl. Earth Obs., 109, 102772,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jag.2022.102772, 2022.
O'Connor, J., Smith, M., and James, M.R.: Cameras and settings for aerial
surveys in the geosciences: optimizing image data, Prog. Phys. Geog., 41,
325–344, https://doi.org/10.1177/0309133317703092, 2017.
Pagnutti, M. A., Ryan, R. E., V, G. J. C., Gold, M. J., Harlan, R., Leggett, E.,
and Pagnutti, J. F.: Laying the foundation to use Raspberry Pi 3 V2 camera
module imagery for scientific and engineering purposes, J. Electron.
Imaging, 26, 013014, https://doi.org/10.1117/1.JEI.26.1.013014, 2017.
Pętlicki, M., Ciepły, M., Jania, J. A., Promińska, A., and Kinnard,
C.: Calving of a tidewater glacier driven by melting at the waterline, J.
Glaciol., 61, 851–863, https://doi.org/10.3189/2015JoG15J062, 2015.
Piermattei, L., Carturan, L., and Guarnieri, A.: Use of terrestrial
photogrammetry based on structure-from-motion for mass balance estimation of
a small glacier in the Italian alps, Earth Surf. Proc. Land., 40,
1791–1802, https://doi.org/10.1002/esp.3756, 2015.
Piras, M., Grasso, N., and Abdul Jabbar, A.: UAV Photogrammetric solution
using a Raspberry Pi camera module and smart devices: tests and results,
Int. Arch. Photogramm. Remote Sens. Spatial Inf. Sci., XLII-2/W6, 289–296,
https://doi.org/10.5194/isprs-archives-XLII-2-W6-289-2017, 2017.
Prior-Jones, M. R., Bagshaw, E. A., Lees, J., Clare, L., Burrow, S., Werder,
M. A., Karlsson, N. B., Dahl-Jensen, D., Chudley, T. R., Christoffersen, P.,
Wadham, J. L., Doyle, S. H., and Hubbard, B.: Cryoegg: development and field
trials of a wireless subglacial probe for deep, fast-moving ice, J.
Glaciol., 67, 627–640, https://doi.org/10.1017/jog.2021.16, 2021.
Quincey, D. J., Lucas, R. M., Richardson, S. D., Glasser, N. F., Hambrey, M. J.,
and Reynolds, J. M.: Optical remote sensing techniques in high-mountain
environments: application to glacial hazards, Prog. Phys Geog., 29,
475–505, https://doi.org/10.1191/0309133305pp456ra, 2005.
Rosenau, R., Schwalbe, E., Maas, H.-G., Baessler, M., and Dietrich, R.:
Grounding line migration and high-resolution calving dynamics of Jakobshavn
Isbræ, West Greenland, JGR: Earth Surf., 118, 382–395,
https://doi.org/10.1029/2012JF002515, 2013.
Rounce, D., Watson, C., and McKinney, D.: Identification of Hazard and Risk
for Glacial Lakes in the Nepal Himalaya Using Satellite Imagery from
2000–2015, Remote Sens., 9, 654, https://doi.org/10.3390/rs9070654,
2017.
Ryan, J. C., Hubbard, A. L., Box, J. E., Todd, J., Christoffersen, P., Carr, J. R., Holt, T. O., and Snooke, N.: UAV photogrammetry and structure from motion to assess calving dynamics at Store Glacier, a large outlet draining the Greenland ice sheet, The Cryosphere, 9, 1–11, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-9-1-2015, 2015.
Schomacker, A.: Expansion of ice-marginal lakes at the Vatnajökull ice
cap, Iceland, from 1999 to 2009, Geomorphology., 119, 232–236,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2010.03.022, 2010.
Schwalbe, E. and Maas, H.-G.: The determination of high-resolution spatio-temporal glacier motion fields from time-lapse sequences, Earth Surf. Dynam., 5, 861–879, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-5-861-2017, 2017.
Shiggins, C. J., Lea, J. M., and Brough, S.: Automated ArcticDEM iceberg detection tool: insights into area and volume distributions, and their potential application to satellite imagery and modelling of glacier–iceberg–ocean systems, The Cryosphere, 17, 15–32, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-15-2023, 2023.
Singh, D. K., Gusain, H. S., Mishra, V., Gupta, N., and Das, R. K.: Automated
mapping of snow/ice surface temperature using Landsat-8 data in Beas River
basin, India, and validation with wireless sensor network data, Arab. J.
Geosci., 11, 136, https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-018-3497-3, 2018.
Smith, M. W., Carrivick, J. L., and Quincey, D. J.: Structure from motion
photogrammetry in physical geography, Prog. Phys. Geog., 40, 247–275,
https://doi.org/10.1177/0309133315615805, 2016.
Sulak, D. J., Sutherland, D. A., Enderlin, E. M., Stearns, L. A., and Hamilton,
G. S.: Iceberg properties and distributions in three Greenlandic fjords using
satellite imagery, Ann. Glaciol., 58, 92–106,
https://doi.org/10.1017/aog.2017.5, 2017.
Taylor, L. S.: Using a new generation of remote sensing techniques to monitor
Peru's mountain glaciers, PhD Thesis, University of Leeds, uk.bl.ethos.868488, 1–184 pp., 2022.
Taylor, L. S., Quincey, D. J., Smith, M. W., Baumhoer, C. A., McMillan, M., and
Mansell, D. T.: Remote sensing of the mountain cryosphere: Current
capabilities and future opportunities for research, Prog. Phys. Geog.,
45, 931–964, https://doi.org/10.1177/03091333211023690, 2021.
Taylor, L., Quincey, D., and Smith, M.: Dataset for: Evaluation of low-cost Raspberry Pi sensors for photogrammetry of glacier calving fronts, Zenodo [data set], https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6786740, 2022.
Tweed, F. S. and Carrivick, J. L.: Deglaciation and proglacial lakes, Geol.
Today, 31, 96–102, https://doi.org/10.1111/gto.12094, 2015.
Veh, G., Korup, O., von Specht, S., Roessner, S., and Walz, A.: Unchanged
frequency of moraine-dammed glacial lake outburst floods in the Himalaya,
Nat. Clim. Chang., 9, 379–383,
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-019-0437-5, 2019.
Vivero, S. and Lambiel, C.: Monitoring the crisis of a rock glacier with
repeated UAV surveys, Geogr. Helv., 74, 59–69,
https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-74-59-2019, 2019.
Wang, W., Zhang, T., Yao, T., and An, B.: Monitoring and early warning system
of Cirenmaco glacial lake in the central Himalayas, Int. J. Disast. Risk
Re., 73, 102914, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2022.102914, 2022.
Watson, C. S., Quincey, D. J., Smith, M. W., Carrivick, J. L., Rowan, A. V., and
James, M. R.: Quantifying ice cliff evolution with multi-temporal point
clouds on the debris-covered Khumbu Glacier, Nepal, J. Glaciol., 63,
823–837, https://doi.org/10.1017/jog.2017.47, 2017.
Westoby, M. J., Dunning, S. A., Woodward, J., Hein, A. S., Marrero, S. M., Winter, K., and Sugden, D. E.: Interannual surface evolution of an Antarctic blue-ice moraine using multi-temporal DEMs, Earth Surf. Dynam., 4, 515–529, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-4-515-2016, 2016.
Xie, S., Dixon, T. H., Voytenko, D., Holland, D. M., Holland, D., and Zheng,
T.: Precursor motion to iceberg calving at Jakobshavn Isbræ, Greenland,
observed with terrestrial radar interferometry, J. Glaciol., 62,
1134–1142, https://doi.org/10.1017/jog.2016.104, 2016.
Zemp, M., Frey, H., Gärtner-Roer, I., Nussbaumer, S. U., Hoelzle, M.,
Paul, F., Haeberli, W., Denzinger, F., Ahlstrøm, A. P., Anderson, B.,
Bajracharya, S., Baroni, C., Braun, L. N., Cáceres, B. E., Casassa, G.,
Cobos, G., Dávila, L. R., Granados, H. D., Demuth, M. N., Espizua, L.,
Fischer, A., Fujita, K., Gadek, B., Ghazanfar, A., Hagen, J. O., Holmlund,
P., Karimi, N., Li, Z., Pelto, M., Pitte, P., Popovnin, V. V., Portocarrero,
C. A., Prinz, R., Sangewar, C. V., Severskiy, I., Sigurđsson, O., Soruco,
A., Usubaliev, R., and Vincent, C.: Historically unprecedented global glacier
decline in the early 21st century, J. Glaciol., 61, 745–762,
https://doi.org/10.3189/2015JoG15J017, 2015.
Zhang, H., Aldana-Jague, E., Clapuyt, F., Wilken, F., Vanacker, V., and Van Oost, K.: Evaluating the potential of post-processing kinematic (PPK) georeferencing for UAV-based structure- from-motion (SfM) photogrammetry and surface change detection, Earth Surf. Dynam., 7, 807–827, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-7-807-2019, 2019.
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.
Hazards from glaciers are becoming more likely as the climate warms, which poses a threat to...
Altmetrics
Final-revised paper
Preprint