The SLF permafrost research group monitors potentially unstable slopes, including the rock glacier ‘Foura da l’amd Ursina’ above Pontresina in Switzerland using terrestrial laser scanning. Two highly frequented hiking trails cross the rock glacier snout.
Laser scanner records small changes
The SLF has been monitoring the rock glacier with a laser scanner since 2009 for the Amt für Wald und Naturgefahren Graubünden. This allows to obtain a highly precise, three-dimensional image of the ground surface. The scientists can register changes of around 2 cm in the course of measurement campaigns which are repeated yearly. This allows them to recognize potentially hazardous movements and to improve their understanding of the overall dynamics of the rock glacier.
The measurements indicate that the snout of the rock glacier is currently stable.
Terrestrial laser scanning has proved to be useful here and at other sites in permafrost terrain. With their high temporal and spatial resolution, the measurement results is useful for both researchers and for risk management.
Read the entire article here: http://www.slf.ch/ueber/organisation/schnee_permafrost/projekte/permafrost_laserscanner/index_EN?redir=1