@incollection{DachwaldUlamecKowalskietal.2023, author = {Dachwald, Bernd and Ulamec, Stephan and Kowalski, Julia and Boxberg, Marc S. and Baader, Fabian and Biele, Jens and K{\"o}mle, Norbert}, title = {Ice melting probes}, series = {Handbook of Space Resources}, booktitle = {Handbook of Space Resources}, editor = {Badescu, Viorel and Zacny, Kris and Bar-Cohen, Yoseph}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Cham}, isbn = {978-3-030-97912-6 (Print)}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-030-97913-3_29}, pages = {955 -- 996}, year = {2023}, abstract = {The exploration of icy environments in the solar system, such as the poles of Mars and the icy moons (a.k.a. ocean worlds), is a key aspect for understanding their astrobiological potential as well as for extraterrestrial resource inspection. On these worlds, ice melting probes are considered to be well suited for the robotic clean execution of such missions. In this chapter, we describe ice melting probes and their applications, the physics of ice melting and how the melting behavior can be modeled and simulated numerically, the challenges for ice melting, and the required key technologies to deal with those challenges. We also give an overview of existing ice melting probes and report some results and lessons learned from laboratory and field tests.}, language = {en} } @article{BaaderBoxbergChenetal.2023, author = {Baader, Fabian and Boxberg, Marc S. and Chen, Qian and F{\"o}rstner, Roger and Kowalski, Julia and Dachwald, Bernd}, title = {Field-test performance of an ice-melting probe in a terrestrial analogue environment}, series = {Icarus}, journal = {Icarus}, number = {409}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, doi = {10.1016/j.icarus.2023.115852}, pages = {Artikel 115852}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Melting probes are a proven tool for the exploration of thick ice layers and clean sampling of subglacial water on Earth. Their compact size and ease of operation also make them a key technology for the future exploration of icy moons in our Solar System, most prominently Europa and Enceladus. For both mission planning and hardware engineering, metrics such as efficiency and expected performance in terms of achievable speed, power requirements, and necessary heating power have to be known. Theoretical studies aim at describing thermal losses on the one hand, while laboratory experiments and field tests allow an empirical investigation of the true performance on the other hand. To investigate the practical value of a performance model for the operational performance in extraterrestrial environments, we first contrast measured data from terrestrial field tests on temperate and polythermal glaciers with results from basic heat loss models and a melt trajectory model. For this purpose, we propose conventions for the determination of two different efficiencies that can be applied to both measured data and models. One definition of efficiency is related to the melting head only, while the other definition considers the melting probe as a whole. We also present methods to combine several sources of heat loss for probes with a circular cross-section, and to translate the geometry of probes with a non-circular cross-section to analyse them in the same way. The models were selected in a way that minimizes the need to make assumptions about unknown parameters of the probe or the ice environment. The results indicate that currently used models do not yet reliably reproduce the performance of a probe under realistic conditions. Melting velocities and efficiencies are constantly overestimated by 15 to 50 \% in the models, but qualitatively agree with the field test data. Hence, losses are observed, that are not yet covered and quantified by the available loss models. We find that the deviation increases with decreasing ice temperature. We suspect that this mismatch is mainly due to the too restrictive idealization of the probe model and the fact that the probe was not operated in an efficiency-optimized manner during the field tests. With respect to space mission engineering, we find that performance and efficiency models must be used with caution in unknown ice environments, as various ice parameters have a significant effect on the melting process. Some of these are difficult to estimate from afar.}, language = {en} } @misc{FeldmannFranckeEspeetal.2022, author = {Feldmann, Marco and Francke, Gero and Espe, Clemes and Chen, Qian and Baader, Fabian and Boxberg, Marc S. and Sustrate, Anna-Marie and Kowalski, Julia and Dachwald, Bernd}, title = {Performance data of an ice-melting probe from field tests in two different ice environments}, doi = {10.5281/zenodo.6094866}, year = {2022}, abstract = {This dataset was acquired at field tests of the steerable ice-melting probe "EnEx-IceMole" (Dachwald et al., 2014). A field test in summer 2014 was used to test the melting probe's system, before the probe was shipped to Antarctica, where, in international cooperation with the MIDGE project, the objective of a sampling mission in the southern hemisphere summer 2014/2015 was to return a clean englacial sample from the subglacial brine reservoir supplying the Blood Falls at Taylor Glacier (Badgeley et al., 2017, German et al., 2021). The standardized log-files generated by the IceMole during melting operation include more than 100 operational parameters, housekeeping information, and error states, which are reported to the base station in intervals of 4 s. Occasional packet loss in data transmission resulted in a sparse number of increased sampling intervals, which where compensated for by linear interpolation during post processing. The presented dataset is based on a subset of this data: The penetration distance is calculated based on the ice screw drive encoder signal, providing the rate of rotation, and the screw's thread pitch. The melting speed is calculated from the same data, assuming the rate of rotation to be constant over one sampling interval. The contact force is calculated from the longitudinal screw force, which es measured by strain gauges. The used heating power is calculated from binary states of all heating elements, which can only be either switched on or off. Temperatures are measured at each heating element and averaged for three zones (melting head, side-wall heaters and back-plate heaters).}, language = {en} } @article{GermanMikuckiWelchetal.2021, author = {German, Laura and Mikucki, Jill A. and Welch, Susan A. and Welch, Kathleen A. and Lutton, Anthony and Dachwald, Bernd and Kowalski, Julia and Heinen, Dirk and Feldmann, Marco and Francke, Gero and Espe, Clemens and Lyons, W. Berry}, title = {Validation of sampling antarctic subglacial hypersaline waters with an electrothermal ice melting probe (IceMole) for environmental analytical geochemistry}, series = {International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry}, volume = {101}, journal = {International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry}, number = {15}, publisher = {Taylor \& Francis}, address = {London}, issn = {0306-7319}, doi = {10.1080/03067319.2019.1704750}, pages = {2654 -- 2667}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Geochemical characterisation of hypersaline waters is difficult as high concentrations of salts hinder the analysis of constituents at low concentrations, such as trace metals, and the collection of samples for trace metal analysis in natural waters can be easily contaminated. This is particularly the case if samples are collected by non-conventional techniques such as those required for aquatic subglacial environments. In this paper we present the first analysis of a subglacial brine from Taylor Valley, (~ 78°S), Antarctica for the trace metals: Ba, Co, Mo, Rb, Sr, V, and U. Samples were collected englacially using an electrothermal melting probe called the IceMole. This probe uses differential heating of a copper head as well as the probe's sidewalls and an ice screw at the melting head to move through glacier ice. Detailed blanks, meltwater, and subglacial brine samples were collected to evaluate the impact of the IceMole and the borehole pump, the melting and collection process, filtration, and storage on the geochemistry of the samples collected by this device. Comparisons between melt water profiles through the glacier ice and blank analysis, with published studies on ice geochemistry, suggest the potential for minor contributions of some species Rb, As, Co, Mn, Ni, NH4+, and NO2-+NO3- from the IceMole. The ability to conduct detailed chemical analyses of subglacial fluids collected with melting probes is critical for the future exploration of the hundreds of deep subglacial lakes in Antarctica.}, language = {en} } @article{LyonsMikuckiGermanetal.2019, author = {Lyons, W. Berry and Mikucki, Jill A. and German, Laura A. and Welch, Kathleen A. and Welch, Susan A. and Gardener, Christopher B. and Tulaczyk, Slawek M. and Pettit, Erin C. and Kowalski, Julia and Dachwald, Bernd}, title = {The Geochemistry of Englacial Brine from Taylor Glacier, Antarctica}, series = {Journal of Geophysical Research: Biogeosciences}, journal = {Journal of Geophysical Research: Biogeosciences}, publisher = {Wiley}, address = {Hoboken}, issn = {2169-8961}, doi = {10.1029/2018JG004411}, year = {2019}, language = {en} } @article{CampenKowalskiLyonsetal.2019, author = {Campen, R. and Kowalski, Julia and Lyons, W.B. and Tulaczyk, S. and Dachwald, Bernd and Pettit, E. and Welch, K. A. and Mikucki, J.A.}, title = {Microbial diversity of an Antarctic subglacial community and high-resolution replicate sampling inform hydrological connectivity in a polar desert}, series = {Environmental Microbiology}, journal = {Environmental Microbiology}, number = {accepted article}, publisher = {Wiley}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1462-2920}, doi = {10.1111/1462-2920.14607}, year = {2019}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{BaaderReiswichBartschetal.2018, author = {Baader, Fabian and Reiswich, M. and Bartsch, M. and Keller, D. and Tiede, E. and Keck, G. and Demircian, A. and Friedrich, M. and Dachwald, Bernd and Sch{\"u}ller, K. and Lehmann, R. and Chojetzki, R. and Durand, C. and Rapp, L. and Kowalski, Julia and F{\"o}rstner, R.}, title = {VIPER - Student research on extraterrestrical ice penetration technology}, series = {Proceedings of the 2nd Symposium on Space Educational Activities}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the 2nd Symposium on Space Educational Activities}, pages = {1 -- 6}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Recent analysis of scientific data from Cassini and earth-based observations gave evidence for a global ocean under a surrounding solid ice shell on Saturn's moon Enceladus. Images of Enceladus' South Pole showed several fissures in the ice shell with plumes constantly exhausting frozen water particles, building up the E-Ring, one of the outer rings of Saturn. In this southern region of Enceladus, the ice shell is considered to be as thin as 2 km, about an order of magnitude thinner than on the rest of the moon. Under the ice shell, there is a global ocean consisting of liquid water. Scientists are discussing different approaches the possibilities of taking samples of water, i.e. by melting through the ice using a melting probe. FH Aachen UAS developed a prototype of maneuverable melting probe which can navigate through the ice that has already been tested successfully in a terrestrial environment. This means no atmosphere and or ambient pressure, low ice temperatures of around 100 to 150K (near the South Pole) and a very low gravity of 0,114 m/s^2 or 1100 μg. Two of these influencing measures are about to be investigated at FH Aachen UAS in 2017, low ice temperature and low ambient pressure below the triple point of water. Low gravity cannot be easily simulated inside a large experiment chamber, though. Numerical simulations of the melting process at RWTH Aachen however are showing a gravity dependence of melting behavior. Considering this aspect, VIPER provides a link between large-scale experimental simulations at FH Aachen UAS and numerical simulations at RWTH Aachen. To analyze the melting process, about 90 seconds of experiment time in reduced gravity and low ambient pressure is provided by the REXUS rocket. In this time frame, the melting speed and contact force between ice and probes are measured, as well as heating power and a two-dimensional array of ice temperatures. Additionally, visual and infrared cameras are used to observe the melting process.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{WaldmannVeraDachwaldetal.2018, author = {Waldmann, Christoph and Vera, Jean-Pierre de and Dachwald, Bernd and Strasdeit, Henry and Sohl, Frank and Hanff, Hendrik and Kowalski, Julia and Heinen, Dirk and Macht, Sabine and Bestmann, Ulf and Meckel, Sebastian and Hildebrandt, Marc and Funke, Oliver and Gehrt, Jan-J{\"o}ran}, title = {Search for life in ice-covered oceans and lakes beyond Earth}, series = {2018 IEEE/OES Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Workshop, Proceedings November 2018, Article number 8729761}, booktitle = {2018 IEEE/OES Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Workshop, Proceedings November 2018, Article number 8729761}, doi = {10.1109/AUV.2018.8729761}, year = {2018}, abstract = {The quest for life on other planets is closely connected with the search for water in liquid state. Recent discoveries of deep oceans on icy moons like Europa and Enceladus have spurred an intensive discussion about how these waters can be accessed. The challenge of this endeavor lies in the unforeseeable requirements on instrumental characteristics both with respect to the scientific and technical methods. The TRIPLE/nanoAUV initiative is aiming at developing a mission concept for exploring exo-oceans and demonstrating the achievements in an earth-analogue context, exploring the ocean under the ice shield of Antarctica and lakes like Dome-C on the Antarctic continent.}, language = {en} } @article{KowalskiLinderZierkeetal.2016, author = {Kowalski, Julia and Linder, Peter and Zierke, S. and Wulfen, B. van and Clemens, J. and Konstantinidis, K. and Ameres, G. and Hoffmann, R. and Mikucki, J. and Tulaczyk, S. and Funke, O. and Blandfort, D. and Espe, Clemens and Feldmann, Marco and Francke, Gero and Hiecker, S. and Plescher, Engelbert and Sch{\"o}ngarth, Sarah and Dachwald, Bernd and Digel, Ilya and Artmann, Gerhard and Eliseev, D. and Heinen, D. and Scholz, F. and Wiebusch, C. and Macht, S. and Bestmann, U. and Reineking, T. and Zetzsche, C. and Schill, K. and F{\"o}rstner, R. and Niedermeier, H. and Szumski, A. and Eissfeller, B. and Naumann, U. and Helbing, K.}, title = {Navigation technology for exploration of glacier ice with maneuverable melting probes}, series = {Cold Regions Science and Technology}, journal = {Cold Regions Science and Technology}, number = {123}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0165-232X}, doi = {10.1016/j.coldregions.2015.11.006}, pages = {53 -- 70}, year = {2016}, abstract = {The Saturnian moon Enceladus with its extensive water bodies underneath a thick ice sheet cover is a potential candidate for extraterrestrial life. Direct exploration of such extraterrestrial aquatic ecosystems requires advanced access and sampling technologies with a high level of autonomy. A new technological approach has been developed as part of the collaborative research project Enceladus Explorer (EnEx). The concept is based upon a minimally invasive melting probe called the IceMole. The force-regulated, heater-controlled IceMole is able to travel along a curved trajectory as well as upwards. Hence, it allows maneuvers which may be necessary for obstacle avoidance or target selection. Maneuverability, however, necessitates a sophisticated on-board navigation system capable of autonomous operations. The development of such a navigational system has been the focal part of the EnEx project. The original IceMole has been further developed to include relative positioning based on in-ice attitude determination, acoustic positioning, ultrasonic obstacle and target detection integrated through a high-level sensor fusion. This paper describes the EnEx technology and discusses implications for an actual extraterrestrial mission concept.}, language = {en} } @article{KonstantinidisFloresMartinezDachwaldetal.2015, author = {Konstantinidis, Konstantinos and Flores Martinez, Claudio and Dachwald, Bernd and Ohndorf, Andreas and Dykta, Paul and Bowitz, Pascal and Rudolph, Martin and Digel, Ilya and Kowalski, Julia and Voigt, Konstantin and F{\"o}rstner, Roger}, title = {A lander mission to probe subglacial water on Saturn's moon enceladus for life}, series = {Acta astronautica}, volume = {Vol. 106}, journal = {Acta astronautica}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1879-2030 (E-Journal); 0094-5765 (Print)}, pages = {63 -- 89}, year = {2015}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{KonstantinidisKowalskiMartinezetal.2015, author = {Konstantinidis, K. and Kowalski, Julia and Martinez, C. F. and Dachwald, Bernd and Ewerhart, D. and F{\"o}rstner, R.}, title = {Some necessary technologies for in-situ astrobiology on enceladus}, series = {Proceedings of the International Astronautical Congress}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the International Astronautical Congress}, isbn = {978-151081893-4}, pages = {1354 -- 1372}, year = {2015}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{NiedermeierClemensKowalskietal.2014, author = {Niedermeier, H. and Clemens, J. and Kowalski, Julia and Macht, S. and Heinen, D. and Hoffmann, R. and Linder, Peter}, title = {Navigation system for a research ice probe for antarctic glaciers}, series = {IEEE/ION Position, Location and Navigation Symposium (PLANS) ; 5-8 May 2014, Monterey, Calif.}, booktitle = {IEEE/ION Position, Location and Navigation Symposium (PLANS) ; 5-8 May 2014, Monterey, Calif.}, publisher = {IEEE}, address = {Piscataway, NJ}, organization = {Position, Location and Navigation Symposium <2014, Monterey, Calif.>}, isbn = {978-1-4799-3319-8}, pages = {959 -- 975}, year = {2014}, language = {en} } @article{DachwaldMikuckiTulaczyketal.2014, author = {Dachwald, Bernd and Mikucki, Jill and Tulaczyk, Slawek and Digel, Ilya and Espe, Clemens and Feldmann, Marco and Francke, Gero and Kowalski, Julia and Xu, Changsheng}, title = {IceMole : A maneuverable probe for clean in situ analysis and sampling of subsurface ice and subglacial aquatic ecosystems}, series = {Annals of Glaciology}, volume = {55}, journal = {Annals of Glaciology}, number = {65}, publisher = {Cambridge University Press}, address = {Cambridge}, issn = {1727-5644}, doi = {10.3189/2014AoG65A004}, pages = {14 -- 22}, year = {2014}, abstract = {There is significant interest in sampling subglacial environments for geobiological studies, but they are difficult to access. Existing ice-drilling technologies make it cumbersome to maintain microbiologically clean access for sample acquisition and environmental stewardship of potentially fragile subglacial aquatic ecosystems. The IceMole is a maneuverable subsurface ice probe for clean in situ analysis and sampling of glacial ice and subglacial materials. The design is based on the novel concept of combining melting and mechanical propulsion. It can change melting direction by differential heating of the melting head and optional side-wall heaters. The first two prototypes were successfully tested between 2010 and 2012 on glaciers in Switzerland and Iceland. They demonstrated downward, horizontal and upward melting, as well as curve driving and dirt layer penetration. A more advanced probe is currently under development as part of the Enceladus Explorer (EnEx) project. It offers systems for obstacle avoidance, target detection, and navigation in ice. For the EnEx-IceMole, we will pay particular attention to clean protocols for the sampling of subglacial materials for biogeochemical analysis. We plan to use this probe for clean access into a unique subglacial aquatic environment at Blood Falls, Antarctica, with return of a subglacial brine sample.}, language = {en} } @article{KowalskiMcElwaine2013, author = {Kowalski, Julia and McElwaine, Jim N.}, title = {Shallow two-component gravity-driven flows with vertical variation}, series = {Journal of Fluid Mechanics}, volume = {714}, journal = {Journal of Fluid Mechanics}, publisher = {Cambridge Univ. Press}, address = {Cambridge}, isbn = {0022-1120}, pages = {434 -- 462}, year = {2013}, language = {en} } @misc{BaumgartnerWunderlichJaunichetal.2012, author = {Baumgartner, Thomas and Wunderlich, Florian and Jaunich, Arthur and Sato, Tomoo and Bundy, Georg and Grießmann, Nadine and Kowalski, Julia and Burghardt, Stefan and Hanebrink, J{\"o}rg}, title = {Lighting the way: Perspectives on the global lighting market}, edition = {2nd ed.}, address = {McKinsey}, pages = {58}, year = {2012}, language = {en} } @article{OlaruKowalskiSethietal.2012, author = {Olaru, Alexandra Maria and Kowalski, Julia and Sethi, Vaishali and Bl{\"u}mich, Bernhard}, title = {Exchange relaxometry of flow at small P{\´e}clet numbers in a glass bead pack}, series = {Journal of Magnetic Resonance (JMR)}, volume = {220}, journal = {Journal of Magnetic Resonance (JMR)}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1096-0856}, doi = {10.1016/j.jmr.2012.04.015}, pages = {32 -- 44}, year = {2012}, abstract = {In this paper we consider low P{\´e}clet number flow in bead packs. A series of relaxation exchange experiments has been conducted and evaluated by ILT analysis. In the resulting correlation maps, we observed a collapse of the signal and a translation towards smaller relaxation times with increasing flow rates, as well as a signal tilt with respect to the diagonal. In the discussion of the phenomena we present a mathematical theory for relaxation exchange experiments that considers both diffusive and advective transport. We perform simulations based on this theory and discuss them with respect to the conducted experiments.}, language = {en} } @article{FischerKowalskiPudasaini2012, author = {Fischer, Jan-Thomas and Kowalski, Julia and Pudasaini, Shiva P.}, title = {Topographic curvature effects in applied avalanche modelling}, series = {Cold Regions Science and Technology}, volume = {74-75}, journal = {Cold Regions Science and Technology}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1872-7441}, doi = {10.1016/j.coldregions.2012.01.005}, pages = {21 -- 30}, year = {2012}, abstract = {This paper describes the implementation of topographic curvature effects within the RApid Mass MovementS (RAMMS) snow avalanche simulation toolbox. RAMMS is based on a model similar to shallow water equations with a Coulomb friction relation and the velocity dependent Voellmy drag. It is used for snow avalanche risk assessment in Switzerland. The snow avalanche simulation relies on back calculation of observed avalanches. The calibration of the friction parameters depends on characteristics of the avalanche track. The topographic curvature terms are not yet included in the above mentioned classical model. Here, we fundamentally improve this model by mathematically and physically including the topographic curvature effects. By decomposing the velocity dependent friction into a topography dependent term that accounts for a curvature enhancement in the Coulomb friction, and a topography independent contribution similar to the classical Voellmy drag, we construct a general curvature dependent frictional resistance, and thus propose new extended model equations. With three site-specific examples, we compare the apparent frictional resistance of the new approach, which includes topographic curvature effects, to the classical one. Our simulation results demonstrate substantial effects of the curvature on the flow dynamics e.g., the dynamic pressure distribution along the slope. The comparison of resistance coefficients between the two models demonstrates that the physically based extension presents an improvement to the classical approach. Furthermore a practical example highlights its influence on the pressure outline in the run out zone of the avalanche. Snow avalanche dynamics modeling natural terrain curvature centrifugal force friction coefficients.}, language = {en} } @article{BuehlerChristenKowalskietal.2011, author = {B{\"u}hler, Yves and Christen, Marc and Kowalski, Julia and Bartelt, Perry}, title = {Sensitivity of snow avalanche simulations to digital elevation model quality and resolution}, series = {Annals of Glaciology}, volume = {52}, journal = {Annals of Glaciology}, number = {58}, publisher = {Cambridge University Press}, address = {Cambridge}, isbn = {1727-5644}, pages = {72 -- 80}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Digital elevation models (DEMs), represent the three-dimensional terrain and are the basic input for numerical snow avalanche dynamics simulations. DEMs can be acquired using topographic maps or remote-sensing technologies, such as photogrammetry or lidar. Depending on the acquisition technique, different spatial resolutions and qualities are achieved. However, there is a lack of studies that investigate the sensitivity of snow avalanche simulation algorithms to the quality and resolution of DEMs. Here, we perform calculations using the numerical avalance dynamics model RAMMS, varying the quality and spatial resolution of the underlying DEMs, while holding the simulation parameters constant. We study both channelized and open-terrain avalanche tracks with variable roughness. To quantify the variance of these simulations, we use well-documented large-scale avalanche events from Davos, Switzerland (winter 2007/08), and from our large-scale avalanche test site, Valĺee de la Sionne (winter 2005/06). We find that the DEM resolution and quality is critical for modeled flow paths, run-out distances, deposits, velocities and impact pressures. Although a spatial resolution of ~25 m is sufficient for large-scale avalanche modeling, the DEM datasets must be checked carefully for anomalies and artifacts before using them for dynamics calculations.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{OlaruKowalskiSethietal.2011, author = {Olaru, Alexandra Maria and Kowalski, Julia and Sethi, Vaishali and Bl{\"u}mich, Bernhard}, title = {Fluid Transport in Porous Media probed by Relaxation-Exchange NMR}, series = {2011 Fall Meeting, AGU, San Francisco, Calif., 5-9 Dec.}, booktitle = {2011 Fall Meeting, AGU, San Francisco, Calif., 5-9 Dec.}, year = {2011}, language = {en} } @article{ChristenKowalskiBartelt2010, author = {Christen, Marc and Kowalski, Julia and Bartelt, Perry}, title = {RAMMS: Numerical simulation of dense snow avalanches in three-dimensional terrain}, series = {Cold Regions Science and Technology}, volume = {63}, journal = {Cold Regions Science and Technology}, number = {1-2}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1872-7441}, doi = {10.1016/j.coldregions.2010.04.005}, pages = {1 -- 14}, year = {2010}, abstract = {Numerical avalanche dynamics models have become an essential part of snow engineering. Coupled with field observations and historical records, they are especially helpful in understanding avalanche flow in complex terrain. However, their application poses several new challenges to avalanche engineers. A detailed understanding of the avalanche phenomena is required to construct hazard scenarios which involve the careful specification of initial conditions (release zone location and dimensions) and definition of appropriate friction parameters. The interpretation of simulation results requires an understanding of the numerical solution schemes and easy to use visualization tools. We discuss these problems by presenting the computer model RAMMS, which was specially designed by the SLF as a practical tool for avalanche engineers. RAMMS solves the depth-averaged equations governing avalanche flow with accurate second-order numerical solution schemes. The model allows the specification of multiple release zones in three-dimensional terrain. Snow cover entrainment is considered. Furthermore, two different flow rheologies can be applied: the standard Voellmy-Salm (VS) approach or a random kinetic energy (RKE) model, which accounts for the random motion and inelastic interaction between snow granules. We present the governing differential equations, highlight some of the input and output features of RAMMS and then apply the models with entrainment to simulate two well-documented avalanche events recorded at the Vall{\´e}e de la Sionne test site.}, language = {en} } @article{ChristenBarteltKowalski2010, author = {Christen, Marc and Bartelt, Perry and Kowalski, Julia}, title = {Back calculation of the In den Arelen avalanche with RAMMS: Interpretation of model results}, series = {Annals of Glaciology}, volume = {51}, journal = {Annals of Glaciology}, number = {54}, publisher = {Cambridge University Press}, address = {Cambridge}, isbn = {1727-5644}, doi = {10.3189/172756410791386553}, pages = {161 -- 168}, year = {2010}, abstract = {Two- and three-dimensional avalanche dynamics models are being increasingly used in hazard-mitigation studies. These models can provide improved and more accurate results for hazard mapping than the simple one-dimensional models presently used in practice. However, two- and three-dimensional models generate an extensive amount of output data, making the interpretation of simulation results more difficult. To perform a simulation in three-dimensional terrain, numerical models require a digital elevation model, specification of avalanche release areas (spatial extent and volume), selection of solution methods, finding an adequate calculation resolution and, finally, the choice of friction parameters. In this paper, the importance and difficulty of correctly setting up and analysing the results of a numerical avalanche dynamics simulation is discussed. We apply the two-dimensional simulation program RAMMS to the 1968 extreme avalanche event In den Arelen. We show the effect of model input variations on simulation results and the dangers and complexities in their interpretation.}, language = {en} } @article{FischerKowalskiPudasainietal.2009, author = {Fischer, Jan-Thomas and Kowalski, Julia and Pudasaini, Shiva P. and Miller, S. A.}, title = {Dynamic Avalanche Modeling in Natural Terrain}, series = {International Snow Science Workshop, Davos 2009, Proceedings ; Proc. ISSW 2009}, journal = {International Snow Science Workshop, Davos 2009, Proceedings ; Proc. ISSW 2009}, pages = {448 -- 452}, year = {2009}, abstract = {The powerful avalanche simulation toolbox RAMMS (Rapid Mass Movements) is based on a depth-averaged hydrodynamic system of equations with a Voellmy-Salm friction relation. The two empirical friction parameters μ and � correspond to a dry Coulomb friction and a viscous resistance, respectively. Although μ and � lack a proper physical explanation, 60 years of acquired avalanche data in the Swiss Alps made a systematic calibration possible. RAMMS can therefore successfully model avalanche flow depth, velocities, impact pressure and run out distances. Pudasaini and Hutter (2003) have proposed extended, rigorously derived model equations that account for local curvature and twist. A coordinate transformation into a reference system, applied to the actual mountain topography of the natural avalanche path, is performed. The local curvature and the twist of the avalanche path induce an additional term in the overburden pressure. This leads to a modification of the Coulomb friction, the free-surface pressure gradient, the pressure induced by the channel, and the gravity components along and normal to the curved and twisted reference surface. This eventually guides the flow dynamics and deposits of avalanches. In the present study, we investigate the influence of curvature on avalanche flow in real mountain terrain. Simulations of real avalanche paths are performed and compared for the different models approaches. An algorithm to calculate curvature in real terrain is introduced in RAMMS. This leads to a curvature dependent friction relation in an extended version of the Voellmy-Salm model equations. Our analysis provides yet another step in interpreting the physical meaning and significance of the friction parameters used in the RAMMS computational environment.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{ChristenBarteltKowalskietal.2008, author = {Christen, Marc and Bartelt, Perry and Kowalski, Julia and Stoffel, Lukus}, title = {Calculation of dense snow avalanches in three-dimensional terrain with the numerical simulation programm RAMMS}, series = {Proceedings ISSW 2008 ; International Snow Science Workshop. Whistler 2008}, booktitle = {Proceedings ISSW 2008 ; International Snow Science Workshop. Whistler 2008}, pages = {709 -- 716}, year = {2008}, abstract = {Numerical models have become an essential part of snow avalanche engineering. Recent advances in understanding the rheology of flowing snow and the mechanics of entrainment and deposition have made numerical models more reliable. Coupled with field observations and historical records, they are especially helpful in understanding avalanche flow in complex terrain. However, the application of numerical models poses several new challenges to avalanche engineers. A detailed understanding of the avalanche phenomena is required to specify initial conditions (release zone dimensions and snowcover entrainment rates) as well as the friction parameters, which are no longer based on empirical back-calculations, rather terrain roughness, vegetation and snow properties. In this paper we discuss these problems by presenting the computer model RAMMS, which was specially designed by the SLF as a practical tool for avalanche engineers. RAMMS solves the depth-averaged equations governing avalanche flow with first and second-order numerical solution schemes. A tremendous effort has been invested in the implementation of advanced input and output features. Simulation results are therefore clearly and easily visualized to simplify their interpretation. More importantly, RAMMS has been applied to a series of well-documented avalanches to gauge model performance. In this paper we present the governing differential equations, highlight some of the input and output features of RAMMS and then discuss the simulation of the Gatschiefer avalanche that occurred in April 2008, near Klosters/Monbiel, Switzerland.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Kowalski2008, author = {Kowalski, Julia}, title = {Two-phase Modeling of Debris Flows}, publisher = {Mensch und Buch}, address = {Berlin}, isbn = {978-3-86664-524-0}, pages = {148}, year = {2008}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{KowalskiMcElwaine2008, author = {Kowalski, Julia and McElwaine, J.}, title = {Two-phase debris flow modeling}, series = {Geophysical Research Abstracts}, booktitle = {Geophysical Research Abstracts}, year = {2008}, language = {en} } @article{McArdellBarteltKowalski2007, author = {McArdell, Brian W. and Bartelt, Perry and Kowalski, Julia}, title = {Field observations of basal forces and fluid pore pressure in a debris flow}, series = {Geophysical Research Letters (GRL)}, volume = {34}, journal = {Geophysical Research Letters (GRL)}, number = {7}, isbn = {0094-8276}, year = {2007}, abstract = {Using results from an 8 m2 instrumented force plate we describe field measurements of normal and shear stresses, and fluid pore pressure for a debris flow. The flow depth increased from 0.1 to 1 m within the first 12 s of flow front arrival, remained relatively constant until 100 s, and then gradually decreased to 0.5 m by 600 s. Normal and shear stresses and pore fluid pressure varied in-phase with the flow depth. Calculated bulk densities are ρb = 2000-2250 kg m-3 for the bulk flow and ρf = 1600-1750 kg m-3 for the fluid phase. The ratio of effective normal stress to shear stress yields a Coulomb basal friction angle of ϕ = 26° at the flow front. We did not find a strong correlation between the degree of agitation in the flow, estimated using the signal from a geophone on the force plate, and an assumed dynamic pore fluid pressure. Our data support the idea that excess pore-fluid pressures are long lived in debris flows and therefore contribute to their unusual mobility.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{KowalskiBarteltMcElwaine2007, author = {Kowalski, Julia and Bartelt, Perry and McElwaine, J.}, title = {Two-phase debris flow modeling}, series = {Geophysical Research Abstracts}, booktitle = {Geophysical Research Abstracts}, year = {2007}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{Kowalski2006, author = {Kowalski, Julia}, title = {Numerical Debris Flow Simulation}, series = {Schweizer Numerik Kolloquium : Book of Abstracts 12. April 2006}, booktitle = {Schweizer Numerik Kolloquium : Book of Abstracts 12. April 2006}, pages = {1}, year = {2006}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{KowalskiMcArdellBartelt2006, author = {Kowalski, Julia and McArdell, B. W. and Bartelt, Perry}, title = {A comparison of two approaches to modeling multiphase gravity currents}, series = {Geophysical Research Abstracts}, volume = {8}, booktitle = {Geophysical Research Abstracts}, year = {2006}, language = {en} } @article{HeierliPurvesFelberetal.2004, author = {Heierli, Joachim and Purves, Ross S. and Felber, Andreas and Kowalski, Julia}, title = {Verification of nearest-neighbours interpretations in avalanche forecasting}, series = {Annals of Glaciology}, volume = {38}, journal = {Annals of Glaciology}, number = {1}, isbn = {1727-5644}, pages = {84 -- 88}, year = {2004}, abstract = {This paper examines the positive and negative aspects of a range of interpretations of nearest-neighbours models. Measures-oriented and distributionoriented verification methods are applied to categorial, probabilistic and descriptive interpretations of nearest neighbours used operationally in avalanche forecasting in Scotland and Switzerland. The dependence of skill and accuracy measures on base rate is illustrated. The purpose of the forecast and the definition of events are important variables in determining the quality of the forecast. A discussion of the application of different interpretations in operational avalanche forecasting is presented.}, language = {en} }