Object structure
Title:

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

Subtitle:

Geographia Polonica Vol. 89 No. 1 (2016)

Creator:

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

Publisher:

IGiPZ PAN

Place of publishing:

Warszawa

Date issued/created:

2016

Description:

24 cm

Type of object:

Journal/Article

Subject and Keywords:

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

References:

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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Relation:

Geographia Polonica

Volume:

89

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1

Start page:

91

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111

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Text

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Article

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0016-7282 ; 10.7163/GPol.0048

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CBGiOS. IGiPZ PAN, call nos.: Cz.2085, Cz.2173, Cz.2406 ; click here to follow the link

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Central Library of Geography and Environmental Protection. Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization PAS

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European Union. European Regional Development Fund ; Programme Innovative Economy, 2010-2014, Priority Axis 2. R&D infrastructure

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