Item: Photogrammetrically Derived Estimates of Snow Depth Variability in Complex Terrain
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Title: Photogrammetrically Derived Estimates of Snow Depth Variability in Complex Terrain
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop 2016 Proceedings, Breckenridge, CO, USA
Authors:
- Gabriel Wolken [ Climate and Cryosphere Hazards Program, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, AK, USA ]
- Erin Whorton [ Climate and Cryosphere Hazards Program, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, AK, USA ]
- Alexander Gould [ Climate and Cryosphere Hazards Program, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, AK, USA ]
Date: 2016-10-02
Abstract: Seasonal snow is a key cryospheric variable because of its influence on energy and wa-ter budgets, regional economies, and public safety. Quantitative information on the spatial distribution of snow depth and snow water equivalence (SWE) is central to numerous applications in cryospheric research. However, in complex terrain, strong orographic gradients and wind redistribution produce complicated accumulation patterns that are difficult to capture using traditional in situ and satellite-based approaches, and are challenging to model with acceptable levels of uncertainty. Here we present results from a pilot study where we apply a repeat airborne photogrammetric approach and employ a Structure from Motion (SfM) processing method to generate digital surface models (DSMs) of terrain during snow-free (fall 2014) and snow-covered (spring 2015) periods. Surface elevation differencing of these datasets produces continuous and accurate maps of end-of-winter snow depth variability over complex terrain in the maritime-continental transition zone of the eastern Chugach Mountains, Alaska, and provides valuable data for assessing avalanche susceptibility and modeling avalanche runout.
Object ID: ISSW16_P1.47.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s):
Keywords: snow depth, spatial variability, photogrammetry, structure from motion, avalanche, Alaska
Page Number(s): 713-715
Subjects: spatial variability photogrammetry snow depth
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