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Titel |
Automatic classification of manual snow profiles by snow structure |
VerfasserIn |
F. Techel, C. Pielmeier |
Medientyp |
Artikel
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Sprache |
Englisch
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ISSN |
1561-8633
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Digitales Dokument |
URL |
Erschienen |
In: Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences ; 14, no. 4 ; Nr. 14, no. 4 (2014-04-10), S.779-787 |
Datensatznummer |
250118385
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Publikation (Nr.) |
copernicus.org/nhess-14-779-2014.pdf |
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Zusammenfassung |
Manual snowpack observations are an important component of avalanche hazard
assessment for the Swiss avalanche forecasting service. Approximately 900
snow profiles are observed each winter, in flat study plots or on
representative slopes. So far, these profiles have been manually classified
combining both information on snow stability (e.g. Rutschblock test) and
snowpack structure (e.g. layering, hardness). To separate the classification
of snowpack stability and structure, and also to reduce inconsistencies in
ratings between forecasters, we developed and tested an automatic approach to
classify profiles by snowpack structure during two winters. The automatic
classification is based on a calculated index, which consists of three
components: properties of (1) the slab (thickness), (2) weakest layer
interface and (3) the percentage of the snowpack which is soft,
coarse-grained and consists of persistent grain types. The latter two indices
are strongly based on criteria described in the threshold sum approach. The
new snowpack structure index allows a consistent comparison of snowpack
structure to detect regional patterns, seasonal or inter-annual differences
but may also supplement snow-climate classifications. |
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