USING GIS FOR AVALANCHE SUSCEPTIBILITY MAPPING IN RODNEI MOUNTAINS

IOANA SIMEA


ABSTRACT. Using GIS for avalanche susceptibility mapping in Rodnei Mountains. This case study combines GIS methods with field work in order to assess the snow avalanche susceptibility in Rodnei Mountains. The database used contains a 10 m resolution DEM, ortophotos and data from field campaigns. Several factors affecting avalanche formation (slope angle, land use, slope curvature, elevation) were calculated in a first phase. Using the bonitation method, each of these factors was taken into consideration depending of its own importance in avalanche formation. As a result of GIS implementation, an avalanche susceptibility map was derived, our focus being on the high zone of Rodnei Mountains. A high avalanche susceptibility was calculated for 50.6 kmē of the territory and characterizes steep slopes close to the following peaks: Pietrosul, Puzdrele, Laptele Mare, Gărgălău, Roşu, etc. In order to validate this method, we used 94 avalanche starting zones. After analyzing them in relation to the susceptibility map, we conclude that 89.4% of the avalanche starting zones are situated in areas calculated as being high susceptible in avalanche formation.

Key words: GIS, avalanche, bonitation, susceptibility.
 

CITITI ARTICOLUL IN INTREGIME
FULL TEXT