The search for and location of inhomogeneities in seasonal snowpacks utilizing ground-penetrating radar technology [Elektronische Ressource] / vorgelegt von Achim Heilig

INAUGURAL - DISSERTATIONzur Erlangung der Doktorwürde derNaturwissenschaftlich-Mathematischen Gesamtfakultät derRuprecht-Karls-Universität HeidelbergVorgelegt vonDiplom–Geograph Achim Heiligaus: HaushamTag der mündlichen Prüfung: 06.11.2009The search for and location ofinhomogeneities in seasonal snowpacksutilizing ground-penetrating radartechnologyGutachter:Prof. Dr. Kurt RothDr. Olaf EisenSummaryThe location of singular objects or layered transitions below the surface and properties thereofin the ground are a pivotal topic in geosciences. In mountainous regions is the investigation ofobjects and layer transitions specifically of interest for the seasonal snowpack, primarily to reducethethreattohumansandinfrastructuresbynaturalhazards.Snowavalanchesareamajornaturalhazard causing numerous fatalities throughout the world and they are a direct consequence ofsnowpack conditions. The annual fatality numbers of avalanches are fairly constant for the last30 years, while in other fields such as e.g. road traffic these numbers decreased significantly. Itcan be assumed that the permanent enhancements in active and passive safety systems in roadtraffic are the reason for the decrease in victim numbers. In the field of professional search andrescue operations or accident prevention in avalanches such as hazard forecast, enhancementsof instrumentations are marginal for the last three decades.