Seismic signals from artificially released avalanches were studied in an attempt to characterize them for avalanche-monitoring purposes. The seismic signals generated by different sizes and types of avalanches were recorded and analyzed in the time and frequency domains. Synchronized recordings of the corresponding seismic signals and the video images of the evolution of the avalanches were obtained together with a detailed cartography. Characteristic signatures in the frequency and time domains were found to depend on the characteristics of the avalanche path and measuring location, but to be mostly independent of avalanche size. The source of the different parts of the recorded seismic signals was determined. A relationship was observed between the avalanche size and the amplitude of the signals. Given the presence of local site effects, a prior seismic characterization of the avalanche path in relation to the recording sites is necessary for monitoring purposes. Moreover” it was found that sliding slabs in the early phase of acceleration produce little seismic energy, resulting in a time lapse between the observable start of the avalanche and the arrival of the detectable seismic waves at the receiving station.

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Seismic signals of avalanches, related video images and numerical models were compared to improve the characterization of avalanche phenomena. Seismic data and video images from two artificially released avalanches were analysed to obtain more information about the origin of the signals. Image processing was used to compare the evolution of one avalanche front and the corresponding seismic signals. A numerical model was also used to simulate an avalanche flow in order to obtain mean- and maximum-velocity profiles. Prior to this, the simulated avalanche was verified using video images. The results indicate that the seismic signals recorded correspond to changes in avalanche type and path slope, interaction with obstacles and to phenomena associated with the stopping stage of the avalanche, suggesting that only part of the avalanche was recorded. These results account for the seismic signals previously obtained automatically in a wide avalanche area.