Application of the timberline morphometric analysis for detecting snow avalanche paths: A case study of the Tatra Mountains

Spyt, Barbara; Kaczka, Ryszard J.; Lempa, Michał; Rączkowska, Zofia

doi:0016-7282

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Application of the timberline morphometric analysis for detecting snow avalanche paths: A case study of the Tatra Mountains Spyt, BarbaraKaczka, Ryszard J.Lempa, MichałRączkowska, Zofia

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Application of the timberline morphometric analysis for detecting snow avalanche paths: A case study of the Tatra Mountains

Geographia Polonica Vol. 89 No. 1 (2016)

Spyt, Barbara ; Kaczka, Ryszard J. ; Lempa, Michał ; Rączkowska, Zofia

snow avalanche ; timberline ; morphometry ; remote sensing ; Tatra Mountains

The upper forest limit is principally controlled by climate factors, mainly temperature but locally also other factors, such as snow avalanches, debris flows, and wind throw. Therefore, the timberline course may be use as a proxy of these drivers. The aim of the study was to employ the morphometric features of the upper forest limit for remote detection of avalanche paths. We introduced the Morphometric Avalanche Index (MAI), which combine simple parameters such as: Perimeter Development, Altitudinal Difference, Elongation Ratio, Area, and the existence forest patches. This tool was tested in four valleys in the Tatra Mountains, wherein 103 known avalanche paths. The employment of MAI resulted in remote identification of 90% of avalanche paths existing and acknowledged in this region. Additionally 28 avalanche paths that had not been previously indicated as such were detected.
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