Item: The Seismic Detection of Avalanches: An Information Tool for the Avalanche Forecaster
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Title: The Seismic Detection of Avalanches: An Information Tool for the Avalanche Forecaster
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop, Davos 2009, Proceedings
Authors:
- Jean-Pierre Navarre [ CNRM/GAME (Météo-France, CNRS), Grenoble, France ]
- Ekatherina Bourova [ CNRM/GAME (Météo-France, CNRS), Grenoble, France ]
- Jacques Roulle [ CNRM/GAME (Météo-France, CNRS), Grenoble, France ]
- Deliot Yannick Deliot [ CNRM/GAME (Météo-France, CNRS), Grenoble, France ]
Date: 2009
Abstract: The estimation of natural avalanche activity is currently based on visual observations. However, these observations are imprecise and impossible by night, or when the weather is cloudy; consequently, the avalanche activity is often not well known. For several years, studies have been developed at the Centre d’Etudes de la Neige (CEN – Snow Research Centre), a laboratory of Meteo- France, to solve this problem and to help the avalanche forecaster, in using the possibility of Seismic Detection of Avalanches (SDA). Three stations of SDA have been operational for several winters in mountainous massifs of the French Alps, near Grenoble. The signals recorded by SDA are analysed and identified by the software SARA (developed by the CEN) which is implemented in each SDA and the results are transmitted by satellite every hour. In 2008, new developments have been made for the SDA system, involving notably a WIFI-ADSL transmission for the Ornon station and the implementation in SARA of new analyses to better identify the signals. The new analyses are based on the automatic recognition of narrow energy bands in the Time-Frequency-Representation, that are characteristic of some non-avalanche signals, generated for example by helicopters. The installations, the operational running of SDA and different results obtained during the last year are presented.
Language of Article: English
Presenters: Unknown
Keywords: avalanche activity, seismic detection of avalanches
Page Number(s): 379-383
Subjects: seismic detection of avalanches avalanche forecaster
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Digital Abstract Not Available
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