Investigating the potential of GNSS-modules for inflow avalanche measurements

Vienna

2022

1 S.

Sonderdruck

12975S

40003195

A detailed knowledge of avalanche dynamics is crucial to optimize flow models that allow avalanche simulation tools to be effectively used for dimensioning mitigation measures or identifying endangered terrain. There are different ways to observe the dynamics in an avalanche during the flow. It can be achieved with remote sensing approaches or fixed sensor systems that interact with the flow. In this Abstract we introduce an inflow sensor system, the so called AvaNodes that are equipped with a variety of sensors, investigating the potential of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) modules. The AvaNode is a cube with 16 cm side length. It is designed to flow in the avalanche and obtain GNSS position and velocity, inertial measurement unit (IMU) based accelerations, angular velocities and the magnetic flux densities, and temperature by means of an infrared thermometer. The utilized GNSS modules are from the ublox CAM-M8 series, that have a position accuracy of 2 m and velocity accuracy of 0.05 m/s, according to the datasheet.