UK Scientists Use Radar-Based Imaging To See How Snow Behaves During A Moving Avalanche
September 14, 2016 – A press release from the UK-based Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) announces that a new radar-based imaging system called Advanced MIMO Radar Development for Geophysical Imaging Applications has the ability to create 3D images that show how snow flows inside of avalanches. Scientists can use this new data to “strengthen computer models that are used not only to understand the behaviour of avalanches but also to pinpoint ways of building better defences against them.“.
The system is based on “echo-sounder” technology “that uses an antenna to transmit radio waves and a 1.95 metre receiver array to capture them as they reflect back from the snow.” Utilizing a 30° field of view providing full coverage of an avalanche track the system penetrate the powder cloud and captures images inside a flowing avalanche. This allows scientists to “observe the nature and direction of the flow of the 90 per cent of snow that would otherwise remain invisible” according to Professor Paul Brennan of University College of London.
The goal of the project is to ultimately help to develop “greater avalanche protection for towns, buildings, roads and railways.” Avalanches are estimated to kill over 150 people per year, while also causing damages to structures and disrupting transportation. It is estimated that the cost of safeguarding one hectare costs roughly £750,000. This technology will ideally result in more cost effective avalanche protection.
This project began in March 2013 and ended in March 2016 at a cost of just over £305,000 in EPSRC funding. The system was tested in the Swiss Alps last winter. The Advanced MIMO Radar Development for Geophysical Imaging Applications system was “developed by a team from University College London (UCL), Durham University and Sheffield University, working in close collaboration with the Swiss Federal Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research (SLF).”
We certainly aren’t scientists, but we do find this new avalanche technology very cool! For the most accurate technical details about this new radar-based imaging system, how it was designed, and how it works please read the official press release from EPSRC.
See Also: 182 Global Avalanche Fatalities During Winter Of 2015/2016
Read more about the new radar-based imaging technology that allows scientists to see inside avalanches from these sources:
