Articles | Volume 7, issue 4
https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-7-989-2019
© Author(s) 2019. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-7-989-2019
© Author(s) 2019. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| Highlight paper
| 
25 Oct 2019
Research article | Highlight paper |
| 25 Oct 2019
| 25 Oct 2019
Seismic location and tracking of snow avalanches and slush flows on Mt. Fuji, Japan
Cristina Pérez-Guillén
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Nagoya University,
Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
RISKNAT Natural Hazards Research Group, Geomodels Research Institute, Faculty of Earth Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
Kae Tsunematsu
Mount Fuji Research Institute, Yamanashi Prefectural Government, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi, Japan
Faculty of Science, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
Kouichi Nishimura
Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Nagoya University,
Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
Dieter Issler
Norwegian Geotechnical Institute, Oslo, Norway
Related authors
Cristina Pérez-Guillén, Frank Techel, Michele Volpi, and Alec van Herwijnen
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2374, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2374, 2024
Short summary
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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.
Andri Simeon, Cristina Pérez-Guillén, Michele Volpi, Christine Seupel, and Alec van Herwijnen
Geosci. Model Dev. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-2024-76, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-2024-76, 2024
Revised manuscript under review for GMD
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Avalanche seismic detection systems are key for forecasting, but distinguishing avalanches from other seismic sources remains challenging. We propose novel autoencoder models to automatically extract features and compare them with standard seismic attributes. These features are then used to classify avalanches and noise events. The autoencoder feature classifiers have the highest sensitivity to detect avalanches, while the standard seismic classifier performs better overall.
Cristina Pérez-Guillén, Frank Techel, Martin Hendrick, Michele Volpi, Alec van Herwijnen, Tasko Olevski, Guillaume Obozinski, Fernando Pérez-Cruz, and Jürg Schweizer
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 2031–2056, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-2031-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-2031-2022, 2022
Short summary
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A fully data-driven approach to predicting the danger level for dry-snow avalanche conditions in Switzerland was developed. Two classifiers were trained using a large database of meteorological data, snow cover simulations, and danger levels. The models performed well throughout the Swiss Alps, reaching a performance similar to the current experience-based avalanche forecasts. This approach shows the potential to be a valuable supplementary decision support tool for assessing avalanche hazard.
Frank Techel, Stephanie Mayer, Cristina Pérez-Guillén, Günter Schmudlach, and Kurt Winkler
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 1911–1930, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-1911-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-1911-2022, 2022
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Can the resolution of forecasts of avalanche danger be increased by using a combination of absolute and comparative judgments? Using 5 years of Swiss avalanche forecasts, we show that, on average, sub-levels assigned to a danger level reflect the expected increase in the number of locations with poor snow stability and in the number and size of avalanches with increasing forecast sub-level.
Kouichi Nishimura, Masaki Nemoto, Yoichi Ito, Satoru Omiya, Kou Shimoyama, and Hirofumi Niiya
The Cryosphere, 18, 4775–4786, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-4775-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-4775-2024, 2024
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It is crucial to consider organized structures such as turbulence sweeps and ejections when discussing the onset and development of snow transport. This study aims to systematically measure blowing and drifting snow to investigate their spatiotemporal structures. To achieve this goal, we have deployed 15 snow particle counters (SPCs) in designated test areas and are conducting measurements using an equal number of ultrasonic anemometers, providing high-temporal-resolution data.
Cristina Pérez-Guillén, Frank Techel, Michele Volpi, and Alec van Herwijnen
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2374, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2374, 2024
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.
Andri Simeon, Cristina Pérez-Guillén, Michele Volpi, Christine Seupel, and Alec van Herwijnen
Geosci. Model Dev. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-2024-76, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-2024-76, 2024
Revised manuscript under review for GMD
Short summary
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Avalanche seismic detection systems are key for forecasting, but distinguishing avalanches from other seismic sources remains challenging. We propose novel autoencoder models to automatically extract features and compare them with standard seismic attributes. These features are then used to classify avalanches and noise events. The autoencoder feature classifiers have the highest sensitivity to detect avalanches, while the standard seismic classifier performs better overall.
Cristina Pérez-Guillén, Frank Techel, Martin Hendrick, Michele Volpi, Alec van Herwijnen, Tasko Olevski, Guillaume Obozinski, Fernando Pérez-Cruz, and Jürg Schweizer
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 2031–2056, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-2031-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-2031-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
A fully data-driven approach to predicting the danger level for dry-snow avalanche conditions in Switzerland was developed. Two classifiers were trained using a large database of meteorological data, snow cover simulations, and danger levels. The models performed well throughout the Swiss Alps, reaching a performance similar to the current experience-based avalanche forecasts. This approach shows the potential to be a valuable supplementary decision support tool for assessing avalanche hazard.
Frank Techel, Stephanie Mayer, Cristina Pérez-Guillén, Günter Schmudlach, and Kurt Winkler
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 1911–1930, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-1911-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-1911-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Can the resolution of forecasts of avalanche danger be increased by using a combination of absolute and comparative judgments? Using 5 years of Swiss avalanche forecasts, we show that, on average, sub-levels assigned to a danger level reflect the expected increase in the number of locations with poor snow stability and in the number and size of avalanches with increasing forecast sub-level.
Markus M. Frey, Sarah J. Norris, Ian M. Brooks, Philip S. Anderson, Kouichi Nishimura, Xin Yang, Anna E. Jones, Michelle G. Nerentorp Mastromonaco, David H. Jones, and Eric W. Wolff
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 2549–2578, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-2549-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-2549-2020, 2020
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A winter sea ice expedition to Antarctica provided the first direct observations of sea salt aerosol (SSA) production during snow storms above sea ice, thereby validating a model hypothesis to account for winter time SSA maxima in Antarctica not explained otherwise. Defining SSA sources is important given the critical roles that aerosol plays for climate, for air quality and as a potential ice core proxy for sea ice conditions in the past.
Xin Yang, Markus M. Frey, Rachael H. Rhodes, Sarah J. Norris, Ian M. Brooks, Philip S. Anderson, Kouichi Nishimura, Anna E. Jones, and Eric W. Wolff
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 8407–8424, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-8407-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-8407-2019, 2019
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This is a comprehensive model–data comparison aiming to evaluate the proposed mechanism of sea salt aerosol (SSA) production from blowing snow on sea ice. Some key parameters such as snow salinity and blowing-snow size distribution were constrained by data collected in the Weddell Sea. The good agreement between modelled SSA and the cruise data strongly indicates that sea ice surface is a large SSA source in polar regions, a process which has not been considered in current climate models.
Gilbert Guyomarc'h, Hervé Bellot, Vincent Vionnet, Florence Naaim-Bouvet, Yannick Déliot, Firmin Fontaine, Philippe Puglièse, Kouichi Nishimura, Yves Durand, and Mohamed Naaim
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 11, 57–69, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-11-57-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-11-57-2019, 2019
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The paper introduces a meteorological and blowing snow data set from Col du Lac Blanc (2720 m a.s.l., French Alps) allowing physical parameterizations and numerical models of blowing snow to be developed and evaluated. In situ winter season data consist of wind, snow depth, air temperature measurements and a database of blowing snow occurrence (2000–2016) complemented by measurements of blowing snow fluxes (2010–2016). Atmospheric data from a meteorological reanalysis and a DEM are also provided.
Koji Fujita, Hiroshi Inoue, Takeki Izumi, Satoru Yamaguchi, Ayako Sadakane, Sojiro Sunako, Kouichi Nishimura, Walter W. Immerzeel, Joseph M. Shea, Rijan B. Kayastha, Takanobu Sawagaki, David F. Breashears, Hiroshi Yagi, and Akiko Sakai
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 17, 749–764, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-17-749-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-17-749-2017, 2017
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We create multiple DEMs from photographs taken by helicopter and UAV and reveal the deposit volumes over the Langtang village, which was destroyed by avalanches induced by the Gorkha earthquake. Estimated snow depth in the source area is consistent with anomalously large snow depths observed at a neighboring glacier. Comparing with a long-term observational data, we conclude that this anomalous winter snow amplified the disaster induced by the 2015 Gorkha earthquake in Nepal.
J. T. M. Lenaerts, C. J. P. P. Smeets, K. Nishimura, M. Eijkelboom, W. Boot, M. R. van den Broeke, and W. J. van de Berg
The Cryosphere, 8, 801–814, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-8-801-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-8-801-2014, 2014
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Clément Hibert, François Noël, David Toe, Miloud Talib, Mathilde Desrues, Emmanuel Wyser, Ombeline Brenguier, Franck Bourrier, Renaud Toussaint, Jean-Philippe Malet, and Michel Jaboyedoff
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Landslide processes are causes of major concern to population and infrastructures on Réunion. In this study, we used data from the Copernicus Sentinel-1 satellite to map ground motion in Cirque de Salazie. We concentrate on the cyclonic season 2017–2018. Our results show ground motion in the Hell-Bourg, Ilet à Vidot,
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Nadège Langet and Fred Marcus John Silverberg
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Microseismic events recorded on the Åknes rock slope in Norway during the past 15 years are automatically divided into eight classes. The results are analysed and compared to meteorological data, showing a strong increase in the microseismic activity in spring mainly due to freezing and thawing processes.
Judith Y. Zomer, Suleyman Naqshband, and Antonius J. F. Hoitink
Earth Surf. Dynam., 10, 865–874, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-10-865-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-10-865-2022, 2022
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Riverbeds are often composed of different scales of dunes, whose sizes and shapes are highly variable over time and space. Characterization of these dunes is important in many research studies focused on fluvial processes. A tool is presented here that aims to identify different scales of dunes from riverbed elevation maps. A first step is to separate two scales of bedforms without smoothing steep slopes of the larger dunes. In a second step, dunes are identified and properties are computed.
Carlotta Brunetti, John Lamb, Stijn Wielandt, Sebastian Uhlemann, Ian Shirley, Patrick McClure, and Baptiste Dafflon
Earth Surf. Dynam., 10, 687–704, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-10-687-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-10-687-2022, 2022
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This paper proposes a method to estimate thermal diffusivity and its uncertainty over time, at numerous locations and at an unprecedented vertical spatial resolution from soil temperature time series. We validate and apply this method to synthetic and field case studies. The improved quantification of soil thermal properties is a cornerstone for advancing the indirect estimation of the fraction of soil components needed to predict subsurface storage and fluxes of water, carbon, and nutrients.
Riley Finnegan, Jeffrey R. Moore, and Paul R. Geimer
Earth Surf. Dynam., 9, 1459–1479, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-9-1459-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-9-1459-2021, 2021
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We performed controlled helicopter flights near seven rock arches and towers in Utah, USA, and recorded how their natural vibrations changed as the helicopter performed different maneuvers. We found that arches and towers vibrate up to 1000 times faster during these flights compared to time periods just before the helicopter's approach. Our study provides data that can be used to predict long-term damage to culturally significant rock features from sustained helicopter flights over time.
Mauro Häusler, Paul Richmond Geimer, Riley Finnegan, Donat Fäh, and Jeffrey Ralston Moore
Earth Surf. Dynam., 9, 1441–1457, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-9-1441-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-9-1441-2021, 2021
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Natural rock arches are valued landmarks worldwide. As ongoing erosion can lead to rockfall and collapse, it is important to monitor the structural integrity of these landforms. One suitable technique involves measurements of resonance, produced when mainly natural sources, such as wind, vibrate the spans. Here we explore the use of two advanced processing techniques to accurately measure the resonant frequencies, damping ratios, and deflection patterns of several rock arches in Utah, USA.
David J. Purnell, Natalya Gomez, William Minarik, David Porter, and Gregory Langston
Earth Surf. Dynam., 9, 673–685, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-9-673-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-9-673-2021, 2021
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We present a new technique for precisely monitoring water levels (e.g. sea level, rivers or lakes) using low-cost equipment (approximately USD 100–200) that is simple to build and install. The technique builds on previous work using antennas that were designed for navigation purposes. Multiple antennas in the same location are used to obtain more precise measurements than those obtained when using a single antenna. Software for analysis is provided with the article.
Jui-Ming Chang, Wei-An Chao, Hongey Chen, Yu-Ting Kuo, and Che-Ming Yang
Earth Surf. Dynam., 9, 505–517, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-9-505-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-9-505-2021, 2021
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Seismic techniques applied in rock slope failure research do not provide rapid notifications, as for earthquakes, due to the lack of connections between seismic signals and events. We studied 10 known events in Taiwan and developed a GeoLoc scheme to locate rock slope failures, estimate the event volume, and understand their physical process using available videos. With real-time seismic data transmission, a rapid report can be created for the public within several minutes of the event.
Liam Toney, David Fee, Kate E. Allstadt, Matthew M. Haney, and Robin S. Matoza
Earth Surf. Dynam., 9, 271–293, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-9-271-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-9-271-2021, 2021
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Large avalanches composed of ice and rock are a serious hazard to mountain communities and backcountry travellers. These processes shake the Earth and disturb the atmosphere, generating seismic waves and sound waves which can travel for hundreds of kilometers. In this study, we use the seismic waves and sound waves produced by two massive avalanches on a volcano in Alaska to reconstruct how the avalanches failed. Our method may assist with rapid emergency response to these global hazards.
Emanuele Marchetti, Alec van Herwijnen, Marc Christen, Maria Cristina Silengo, and Giulia Barfucci
Earth Surf. Dynam., 8, 399–411, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-8-399-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-8-399-2020, 2020
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We present infrasonic and seismic array data of a powder snow avalanche, that was released on 5 February 2016, in the Dischma valley nearby Davos, Switzerland. Combining information derived from both arrays, we show how infrasound and seismic energy are radiated from different sources acting along the path. Moreover, infrasound transmits to the ground and affects the recorded seismic signal. Results highlight the benefits of combined seismo-acoustic array analyses for monitoring and research.
Tómas Jóhannesson, Jón Kristinn Helgason, and Sigríður Sif Gylfadóttir
Earth Surf. Dynam., 8, 173–175, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-8-173-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-8-173-2020, 2020
Thomas Geay, Ludovic Michel, Sébastien Zanker, and James Robert Rigby
Earth Surf. Dynam., 7, 537–548, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-7-537-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-7-537-2019, 2019
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This research has been conducted to develop the use of passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) for bedload monitoring in rivers. Monitored bedload acoustic signals depend on bedload characteristics (e.g., grain size distribution, fluxes) but are also affected by the environment in which the acoustic waves are propagated. This study focuses on the determination of propagation effects in rivers. An experimental approach has been conducted in several streams to estimate acoustic propagation laws.
Matthias Heck, Alec van Herwijnen, Conny Hammer, Manuel Hobiger, Jürg Schweizer, and Donat Fäh
Earth Surf. Dynam., 7, 491–503, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-7-491-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-7-491-2019, 2019
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We used continuous seismic data from two small aperture geophone arrays deployed in the region above Davos in the eastern Swiss Alps to develop a machine learning workflow to automatically identify signals generated by snow avalanches. Our results suggest that the method presented could be used to identify major avalanche periods and highlight the importance of array processing techniques for the automatic classification of avalanches in seismic data.
Andreas Köhler and Christian Weidle
Earth Surf. Dynam., 7, 1–16, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-7-1-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-7-1-2019, 2019
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The uppermost part of permanently frozen ground can thaw during summer and refreeze during winter. We use a method based on naturally generated seismic waves to continuously monitor these changes close to the research settlement of Ny-Ålesund in Svalbard between April and August 2016. Our results reveal some potential pitfalls when interpreting temporal variations in the data. However, we show that a careful data analysis makes this method a very useful tool for long-term permafrost monitoring.
Andrea Manconi, Velio Coviello, Maud Galletti, and Reto Seifert
Earth Surf. Dynam., 6, 1219–1227, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-6-1219-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-6-1219-2018, 2018
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We evaluated the performance of the low-cost seismic Raspberry Shake (RS) sensors to identify and monitor rockfall activity in alpine environments. The sensors have been tested for a 1-year period in a high alpine environment, recording numerous rock failure events as well as local and distant earthquakes. This study demonstrates that the RS instruments provide a good option to build low seismic monitoring networks to monitor different kinds of geophysical phenomena.
Floriane Provost, Jean-Philippe Malet, Clément Hibert, Agnès Helmstetter, Mathilde Radiguet, David Amitrano, Nadège Langet, Eric Larose, Clàudia Abancó, Marcel Hürlimann, Thomas Lebourg, Clara Levy, Gaëlle Le Roy, Patrice Ulrich, Maurin Vidal, and Benjamin Vial
Earth Surf. Dynam., 6, 1059–1088, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-6-1059-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-6-1059-2018, 2018
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Seismic sources generated by the deformation of unstable slopes are diverse in terms of signal properties and mechanisms. Standardized catalogues of landslide endogenous seismicity can help understanding the physical processes controlling slope dynamics. We propose a generic typology of seismic sources based on the analysis of signals recorded at various instrumented slopes. We demonstrate that the seismic signals present similar features at different sites and discuss their mechanical sources.
Florian Fuchs, Wolfgang Lenhardt, Götz Bokelmann, and the AlpArray Working Group
Earth Surf. Dynam., 6, 955–970, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-6-955-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-6-955-2018, 2018
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The work demonstrates how seismic networks installed in the Alps can be used for country-wide real-time monitoring of rockslide activity. We suggest simple methods that allow us to detect, locate, and characterize rockslides using the seismic signals they generate. We developed an automatic procedure to locate rockslides with kilometer accuracy over hundreds of kilometers of distance. Our findings highlight how seismic networks can help us to understand the triggering of rockslides.
Naomi Vouillamoz, Sabrina Rothmund, and Manfred Joswig
Earth Surf. Dynam., 6, 525–550, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-6-525-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-6-525-2018, 2018
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Seismic monitoring of active landslides enables the detection of microseismic signals generated by slope activity. We propose a classification of
microseismic signals observed at two active clay-rich debris slides and a simple method to constrain their source origin and their size
based on their signal amplitudes. A better understanding of landslide-induced microseismicity is crucial for the development of early warning systems
based on landslide-induced microseismic signal precursors.
Pippa L. Whitehouse
Earth Surf. Dynam., 6, 401–429, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-6-401-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-6-401-2018, 2018
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This article is a contribution to a special issue on
Two centuries of modelling across scales. It describes the historical observations, evolving hypotheses, and early calculations that led to the development of the field of glacial isostatic sdjustment (GIA) modelling, which seeks to understand feedbacks between ice-sheet change, sea-level change, and solid Earth deformation. Recent and future advances are discussed. Future progress will likely involve an interdisciplinary approach.
Clément Hibert, Jean-Philippe Malet, Franck Bourrier, Floriane Provost, Frédéric Berger, Pierrick Bornemann, Pascal Tardif, and Eric Mermin
Earth Surf. Dynam., 5, 283–292, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-5-283-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-5-283-2017, 2017
Cited articles
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Short summary
Avalanches and slush flows from Mt. Fuji are a major natural hazard as they may attain run-out distances of up to 4 km and destroy parts of the forest and infrastructure. We located and tracked them for the first time using seismic data. Numerical simulations were conducted to assess the precision of the seismic tracking. We also inferred dynamical properties characterizing these hazardous mass movements. This information is indispensable for assessing avalanche risk in the Mt. Fuji region.
Avalanches and slush flows from Mt. Fuji are a major natural hazard as they may attain run-out...
