Avalanche Detection Using Infra-Sound Techniques

Makarand writes "Extremely sensitive 'micro-barometers' that measure changes in air pressure caused by infra-sound waves generated by nuclear explosions are used worldwide in nuclear test-ban monitoring systems. Now this same technology is being tested in Colorado, Utah, California and Montana for detecting avalanches using infra-sound techniques and extending the coverage of forecasts. An avalanche slide in addition to being audible to people nearby also generates infra-sounds -- very low frequency sound waves far below the threshold of human hearing -- that can be detected from many kilometres away by micro-barometers. Since the speed of sound is 10 times faster than the speed of an avalanche these detectors might be able to give people enough warning in advance to take cover."

Comments

Re:Won't help...

[KDan]

Yeah, where the hell did that "Funny" modding come from? lol...

Ok, I'm not denying it won't be useful in some situations, but I live in Switzerland and I go skiing a lot, and hear a lot of news about skiing and every once in a while we hear about some skiiers or snowboarders or whatever dying in an avalanche, and it's almost always one that they started. There was a few years back one which started right next to a slope and actually took out a few skiiers on a proper slope and that was big news (fair enough, you'd expect slopes to be checked for these risks and closed when the risks are too high). But the vast majority are about people who were skiing or boarding off-piste in avalanche-prone weather conditions (snowed recently, etc) and started an avalanche under their own feet.

Now a system to protect these people from these avalanches would be well worth it. Most people who go ski on this type of off-piste are fairly aware of the risks, they just think it's worth the risk. I reckon they should popularize the James Bond inflating jackets... that could save lives :-)

Daniel