Title Cellular-automata model for dense-snow avalanches
Author Barpi, F.; Borri-Brunetto, M.; Delli Veneri, L.
Author Affil Barpi, F., Politecnico di Torino, Department of Structural and Geotechnical Engineering, Turin, Italy
Source Journal of Cold Regions Engineering, 21(4), p.121-140, . Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers, New York, NY, United States. ISSN: 0887- 381X
Publication Date Dec. 2007
Notes In English. 26 refs. GeoRef Acc. No: 282514
Index Terms avalanches; computer applications; mass movements (geology); snow; Alps; Italy-- Piemonte; case studies; cellular automata; data processing; digital simulation; Europe; geologic hazards; Italy; mass movements; numerical models; Piemonte Italy; Southern Europe; Susa Valley; three-dimensional models
Abstract This paper introduces a three- dimensional model for simulating dense-snow avalanches, based on the numerical method of cellular automata. This method allows one to study the complex behavior of the avalanche by dividing it into small elements, whose interaction is described by simple laws, obtaining a reduction of the computational power needed to perform a three-dimensional simulation. Similar models by several authors have been used to model rock avalanches, mud and lava flows, and debris avalanches. A peculiar aspect of avalanche dynamics, i.e., the mechanisms of erosion of the snowpack and deposition of material from the avalanche is taken into account in the model. The capability of the proposed approach has been illustrated by modeling three documented avalanches that occurred in Susa Valley (Western Italian Alps). Despite the qualitative observations used for calibration, the proposed method is able to reproduce the correct three-dimensional avalanche path, using a digital terrain model, and the order of magnitude of the avalanche deposit volume.
URL http://hdl.handle.net/10.1061/(ASCE)0887-381X(2007)21:4(121)
Publication Type journal article
Record ID 62002929