Over the previous few days, a small Cessna carrying experimental expertise has flown over the Senalis Valley in South Tyrol between Lake Fernago and Grawand. Over the course of two flights, a sensor measured the warmth alternate between the snow and the air.
On the bottom, alongside the identical roads, eight groups led by Eurac Analysis specialists measured the depth of the snow with stepped rails and the burden of the snow to find out its sort. If evaluation of the information collected proves that the expertise is dependable and the measurements match these taken on the bottom, it may be superimposed on satellites.
For weeks, emails between researchers have been circulating: “There’s a attainable window subsequent week,” “Cancelled: unhealthy climate on the way in which,” “We are going to attempt once more as soon as excessive stress returns.” Then lastly the announcement: “We’ve got to maneuver on for tomorrow.” Emails tackle a brand new tone. Tools checklists, up to date gear checklists, flight plans, and security preparations for the umpteenth time.
At first mild on April 4, the primary group units out, loaded with skis, ski skins, and backpacks. Quickly after, a small Cessna took off from Trento Airport. On board, the expertise will probably be examined.
The primary flight reached the valley round 7 am, and the second round 1 pm. Throughout every flight, the Cessna zigzagged over the world at 5,000 meters for about 40 minutes. For the analysis staff, getting the identical flight at totally different instances of the day was essential.
“Up to now, to observe snow, we have used satellite tv for pc imagery that measures direct traits similar to depth and density,” explains Carlo Marin, distant sensing engineer at Eurac Analysis.
“As a substitute, this expertise developed by the College of Milano Bicocca measures how snow respires, that’s, the warmth alternate between snow and air. From this data we will measure properties such because the density and kind of snow. On an early morning experience, the temperature is colder, and within the hotter hours From right this moment, the floor layer of snow is way hotter as a result of larger temperatures and daylight. The distinction in temperature pertains to how various kinds of snow alternate warmth with their environment.”
“As well as, the sensor’s experimental pictures are very excessive decision.”
Because the small Cessna aircraft flew alongside 12 sectors technically referred to as “cross sections,” 22 individuals had been on the bottom measuring the depth and weight of the snow at three-meter intervals. By doing so, we had been capable of decide the density of the snow: the heavier the moisture, the lighter, powderier and finer it was.
Some search events weren’t removed from the lifts, however others needed to attain distant areas, such because the summit of Teufelsegg, beneath Weisskugel / Palla Bianca (3738m), by trekking for hours with skis, skiskins and backpacks loaded with gear. One staff was additionally accompanied by technicians carrying the identical sort of sensors that had been put in on board to additional verify the measurements from the bottom.
Within the coming months, the analysis staff will overview the measurement outcomes and check whether or not the expertise is mature sufficient to be put in on a satellite tv for pc and put into operation.
“In mild of the local weather disaster making water an more and more scarce and priceless commodity, an correct account of the presence of snow, notably at excessive altitudes, will change into more and more essential in assessing extra precisely the provision of water for the summer time season and, thus, offering help to those that should.” Handle this useful resource,” Marin concludes.
Offered by Eurac Analysis