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Debris-flow velocity estimation in the lab using Particle Image Velocimetry
Debris flows are extremely rapid, flow-like landslides composed of boulders, woody debris as well as a viscous
slurry. They are an important geomorphic process which transport sediment to the river system as well as a
significant hazard to infrastructure and people. For the process characterization, hazard assessment and early
warning, debris-flow monitoring is important but challenged by the harsh conditions of alpine environment in which
they occur. One monitoring technique is with cameras, for which the output is useful for a number of applications
such velocity estimations or object detection techniques. However, the fast movements and various light conditions
often lead to low-quality data.
In this project, a debris-flow monitoring setup will be deployed in the lab. The setup includes a high-speed camera
and a small flume (Fig. 1), where small debris flows can be artificially initiated. The student will conduct a series of
tests in different light conditions and camera settings. The recordings will be used to estimate debris-flow velocities
through Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV, e.g., Theule et al., 2018), which is an optical method often used to estimate
flow velocities at high resolution (Fig. 2). Finally, the student will identify the optimal camera settings as well as
associated uncertainties in different light conditions. These experiments will provide important insights to the
accuracy of the devices and methods used, as well as support future decisions regarding monitoring setups.