For example,
Field movements blatten already visible:
Highlight signs of Blatten’s landslide (VS) were already visible since the space of the years. Moreover, before the disaster. However, As shown in a satellite image analysis of the European Space Agency (ESA). Meanwhile, the slope of Petit Nesthorn was already moving in 2016.
These movements have continued to increase over the years. Similarly, have been significantly strengthened until the market in May, ESA said on Friday in A press release.
“Our analysis confirms that the trips of little Nesthorn have developed over several years before collapse. Similarly, ” explains Andrea Manconi, WSL Institute for the study of snow and avalanches (SLF). Moreover, “Such results help us see more clearly how satellite data can be used for early detection,” adds the specialist.
>> Reread too: How to explain the Blatten disaster. Moreover, what risks still weigh on the valley et The village field movements blatten already visible of Blaten pulverized by the collapse of the Birch glacier, a missing person
A growing speed – Field movements blatten already visible
As part of the ESA “modulate” project, Andrea Manconi and other scientists analyzed radar images of two satellites taken between 2016 and 2024.
Between 2016 and 2017, the images already showed that the slope on the sides of little Nesthorn was slowly moving. In addition, In the years that followed, these movements have become stronger and stronger and faster. Until 2023. the slope moved around 50 centimeters per year and in the last images analyzed in the summer of 2024, it was moving at a speed of 150 centimeters per year.
According to ESA. this marks a clear transition from a relatively slow deformation to rapid deformation and shows that the probability of an imminent disaster was much higher.
Early alert thanks to satellites
The images analyzed come from so -called L -band satellites. They emit radar waves longer than field movements blatten already visible other more widespread satellites, such as Sentinel 1 of ESA. They can thus better penetrate the vegetation and the complex terrains.
Some L -band satellites are already in service. but so far on a lower scale than other radar satellites. According to ESA, these discoveries show the importance of such satellites to quickly detect dangerous movements.
The Blatten authorities were able to evacuate people in time thanks to local observations. But the installation of local sensors on each alpine slope is not achievable from a logistical. financial point of view, notes ESA.
>> Read also: The Confederation wants to bet on satellite images to monitor the movements of the soil
ats/edel
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