Knowledge of snow density and snow layering is very important for glacier research on the one hand and for assessing the risk of avalanches on the other. Precise and comprehensive data on the density distribution of extensive snow fields is therefore of great importance for many stake holders, f.e. in climate research, tourism or for power station operators (regarding expected meltwater volumes). Currently, snow density profiles are determined by digging vertical shafts, which involves a great deal of manual labour. Measuring an extensive snow field therefore takes a lot of time, which is why only a small amount of measurement data is usually available.

This is where the ‘Laser4Snow’ project comes in: The project team will use a combination of different laser sources to significantly speed up the measurement process and thus provide more as well as more accurate data in less time.

A new measuring method is being developed together with all parties involved in the project, in which the melting and measuring laser beams are guided together. The collaboration with the partner schools takes into account the different subject areas and specialisations of each HTL in order to adapt the work packages as well as possible to the abilities of the students. A modified transit time method is used in the project to quickly measure the borehole depth. The students at HTL Wien 10 set up a complex optomechanical measurement setup for the joint guidance of the laser beams and thus learn about laser technology and its applications in an intensive and practical way. Pupils from the HTL Hollabrunn, who have expertise in the development of hardware and software due to their school subject area, are also supporting the continuous recording and evaluation of the measurement data. The prototype of the measuring system will also be thoroughly tested by the project team and the citizen scientists and its limits of use will be determined. In order to successfully realise the ambitious research goals, regular status meetings and workshops are held with all those involved.

The primary aim of the project is to develop a compact and robust prototype measuring device for mobile use that can significantly reduce the amount of work involved and also generate considerably more measurement data for more accurate predictions in less time.

(Fotocredit © Wikipedia)