Item: High arctic avalanche monitoring in maritime svalbard
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Title: High arctic avalanche monitoring in maritime svalbard
Proceedings: Proceedings Whistler 2008 International Snow Science Workshop September 21-27, 2008
Authors: Mr. Markus Eckerstorfer, Mr. Ullrich Neumann, Prof. Dr. Christiansen Hanne.
Date: 9/22/2008
Abstract: The arctic, high relief Svalbard landscape, largely without vegetation and with a continuous snow cover for large parts of the year, is very exposed to avalanches. Wide plateaus with 500 m deep valleys dominate the geomorphology in central Svalbard, allowing extensive snow drifting. In a changing climate and with an increasing number of people traveling around the Svalbard landscape, there is increased focus on avalanches and their meteorological control. A significant part of a three year research project (CRYOSLOPE Svalbard) is the year around avalanche monitoring programme. The results of avalanche mapping, meteorological observations and snow pit studies are collected in a database accessible online. The collected data show, that avalanches are observed year around. During autumn and the polar night only a few take place. As the air temperature increases and the maximum amount of snow are present at the same time in spring, the peak avalanche season occurs. Avalanches triggered by cornice falls form the majority. The collected data forms the important first systematic knowledge about meteorological, topographical and snowpack conditions, which trigger avalanches in Svalbard.
Presenters: Mr. Ullrich Neumann.
Keywords: avalanche monitoring and mapping, meteorological observations, high arctic avalanche climate, snowpit study
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