Acoustic Emission Methods Applied to Avalanche-Formation Studies

Abstract The relationship between the intensity of snow acoustic emission impulses and snow-cover stability is revealed by measuring the physical and mechanical properties of the snow cover in the starting zones of avalanches. This relationship is fundamental to the remote identification of an avala...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of Glaciology
Main Authors: Yepifanov, V. P., Kuz'menko, V. P.
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1988
Subjects:
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022143000032287
https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0022143000032287
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Summary:Abstract The relationship between the intensity of snow acoustic emission impulses and snow-cover stability is revealed by measuring the physical and mechanical properties of the snow cover in the starting zones of avalanches. This relationship is fundamental to the remote identification of an avalanche-hazard period. In order to estimate the mechanical properties of a snow layer, a method of applying a rigid penetrometer equipped with a piezo-electric accelerometer is used. The viscosity coefficients of snow under destruction and the specific energy of destruction are determined. The overall effect of different elements of destruction is assessed using both structural investigations and acoustic methods (acoustic emissions).