A Study on High-Speed Avalanches in the Kurobe Canyon, Japan

• Published in: Journal of Glaciology
• Main Authors: Shimizu, Hiromu, Huzioka, Tosio, Akitaya, Eizi, Narita, Hideki, Nakagawa, Masayuki, Kawada, Kunio
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1980
• Subjects: Journal of Glaciology
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022143000010686; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0022143000010686

Abstract Observations and measurements were made of high-speed avalanches at Shiai-dani, the Kurobe canyon, to reveal their real features and properties, using strain-gauge-type load cells in measuring impact force and speed. A maximum impact pressure of 140 × 10 4 N m -2 was obtained, as well as data indicating the existence of a number of wave fronts, ranging in speed from 9 to 60 m s -1 inside an avalanche. Violent changes in atmospheric pressure ranging from -21 to +5 mbar were observed near its path when a high-speed avalanche passed by.