Study of avalanche dynamics by seismic methods, image-processing techniques and numerical models

Seismic signals of avalanches, related video images and numerical models were compared to improve the characterization of avalanche phenomena. Seismic data and video images from two artificially released avalanches were analysed to obtain more information about the origin of the signals. Image processing was used to compare the evolution of one avalanche front and the corresponding seismic signals. A numerical model was also used to simulate an avalanche flow in order to obtain mean- and maximum-velocity profiles. Prior to this, the simulated avalanche was verified using video images. The results indicate that the seismic signals recorded correspond to changes in avalanche type and path slope, interaction with obstacles and to phenomena associated with the stopping stage of the avalanche, suggesting that only part of the avalanche was recorded. These results account for the seismic signals previously obtained automatically in a wide avalanche area.