Figure 2: 1.5 km of GPR profile after processing. (a) is the reflection of the interface between air and snow, (b) between snow and glacier ice, the green markers indicate a crevassed area in the center of the glacier
of data, recording the spatial distribution of snow on Findelengletscher, with readings in April 2010, June 2011 and May 2012. To map the glacier’s composition,
researchers are using GPR technology. The GPR technology has existed for a number of years, but is now at a point where it is cost-efficient to use in such an application. Using low-frequency electro-magnetic
This will help to identify and iron out any inconsistencies in their methodology. Further stages will see the team analysing
the firn layer properties of the Findelengletscher and Colle Gnifetti mountain sites, to see whether the GPR measurements of snow accumulation in the
past correspond with the reality. Testing its reliability in analysing previous
model the behaviour of snow and its spatial distribution on glaciers, thereby enabling its accurate forecasting. It is this sort of application that has seen
partners, including the WSL-SLF in Davos, the Alfred Wegener Institute in Germany, the Paul-Scherrer Institute in Würenlingen and private firm Airborne Scan and RUAG keen to be involved. Through a thorough data validation
“In future years the team hopes to improve the present snow distribution modelling approaches, to a stage where the forecasting systems work with imperfect or incomplete datasets”
waves – between 10 MHz and 500 MHz – a signal is sent into the glacier. A part of the signal is reflected from layers within the glacier or its bed and is then received and processed – providing the researchers with an accurate reading, and allowing them to understand and document the structure of the glacier. Thus, a subsurface image of the whole glacier system can be created without the need for many probings or boreholes. This initial mapping stage – recently
completed – is augmented by additional measurements. At the same time as mapping areas with GPR, researchers have drilled boreholes and conducted various field tests and LiDAR scans to assess and corroborate the validity of the GPR data.
A measured approach Initially,
the 100 team is developing a standardised measure to analyse the data.
formations is essential to accurately predict future glacial
formations. Usefully, the
team also has access to historic field data from as far back as 2005 to help understand and assess their work. It’s an involved piece of work as Martin
Hoelzle, the scientific lead of the project, explains: “The project builds upon a firm base of research to allow us to understand the evolution of glaciers. At every stage we have to check both the methodology and the results to ensure that our work is accurate and reliable.”
Modelling the future Ultimately, the team’s ambition is to create a modelling platform able to forecast and predict the future behaviour – and impact – of glacier changes. The team will be using the Alpine3D software, developed by the WSL-SLF in Davos, to accurately
exercise, conducted as part of the project, the team will create a quantifiable and statistically accurate indication of the margin of error for snow distribution calculations – something that could benefit those who don’t have access to expensive GPR technology.
Changing lives Currently the project is halfway through its four-year term and is already starting to produce encouraging results. The team has already proven that the spatial distribution of snow varies from glacier to glacier, to a degree that necessitates individual forecasts for each. It’s an apparently minor point that has big impacts in the way that glaciers are treated in models that assess the impact of climate change. In future years the team hopes to improve
and enhance the present snow distribution modelling approaches, to a stage where the forecasting systems work with imperfect or incomplete datasets – this is significant in regions and areas where historic data for mountains isn’t as voluminous as that of the Swiss Alps. Within this framework, the team – in partnership with private industry
Insight Publishers | Projects
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