Digital elevation model as a framework for snow avalanche studies
Application of the GIS-technologies and existence of the digital elevation model (DEM) in the hands of researcher significantly simplifies the solving of many aims of avalanche studies. Some avalanche and meteorological data allow determining the relationship of the most important characteristics of avalanche activity and parameters of the relief that can be extrapolated on the unexplored territories and reflected on the map. The investigation results received in several mountain regions with the use of DEM are presented in that work. Calculations of the avalanche runout distance and maximal values of the avalanche pressure on the land surface using the model of the material point and some empirical dependence are made. The maps of the different parameters of avalanche activity and avalanche risk are compiled.