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Analysis of paraglacial landslides using a global velocity dataset
Landslides are a dangerous natural hazard affecting the lives of people all over the world. This thesis will focus on the detection of paraglacial landslides from a global glacier-velocity dataset. The behavior of these sites throughout time will be analyzed and compared to an existing landslide database.
Landslides are one of the most dangerous natural hazards, killing thousands of people globally each year. Often, landslides are detected only after they’ve failed catastrophically, but there can be warning signs prior to failure, such as an exponential increase in landslide speed. In light of anthropogenic climate change, there is particular interest in landslides which develop near retreating glaciers as they are “debuttressed,” or lose lateral support, from the glaciers.
A global dataset of annual glacier velocities from 1984-2022 is available (https://its-live.jpl.nasa.gov/) which also covers non-glaciated terrain within several kilometers of glaciers, allowing for analysis of paraglacial landslides. This MSc thesis will focus on the detection and characterization of these features using GIS software and satellite imagery. The initial study area will be Alaska, but may be expanded to other regions given sufficient time. The goal is to create a database of paraglacial landslides and then analyze the behavior of the landslides throughout time. A background in geospatial analysis would be helpful but is not mandatory for this work. The student should be willing to learn new concepts in glaciology, geology, and geomorphology.
Landslides are one of the most dangerous natural hazards, killing thousands of people globally each year. Often, landslides are detected only after they’ve failed catastrophically, but there can be warning signs prior to failure, such as an exponential increase in landslide speed. In light of anthropogenic climate change, there is particular interest in landslides which develop near retreating glaciers as they are “debuttressed,” or lose lateral support, from the glaciers. A global dataset of annual glacier velocities from 1984-2022 is available (https://its-live.jpl.nasa.gov/) which also covers non-glaciated terrain within several kilometers of glaciers, allowing for analysis of paraglacial landslides. This MSc thesis will focus on the detection and characterization of these features using GIS software and satellite imagery. The initial study area will be Alaska, but may be expanded to other regions given sufficient time. The goal is to create a database of paraglacial landslides and then analyze the behavior of the landslides throughout time. A background in geospatial analysis would be helpful but is not mandatory for this work. The student should be willing to learn new concepts in glaciology, geology, and geomorphology.
- Identification of landslides from a global velocity dataset and satellite imagery
- Creation of a database to catalog the landslides (location, area, average velocity)
- Analysis of the landslide velocity over time
- Comparison to an existing landslide dataset in Alaska
- Identification of landslides from a global velocity dataset and satellite imagery - Creation of a database to catalog the landslides (location, area, average velocity) - Analysis of the landslide velocity over time - Comparison to an existing landslide dataset in Alaska
For further information, please contact Ms. Jane Walden (walden@vaw.baug.ethz.ch) or Dr. Mylène Jacquemart (jacquemart@vaw.baug.ethz.ch).
For further information, please contact Ms. Jane Walden (walden@vaw.baug.ethz.ch) or Dr. Mylène Jacquemart (jacquemart@vaw.baug.ethz.ch).