Digital photogrammetric modelling of mountain topography aimed at revealing snow cover distribution (a case of the Aikuaivenchorr Mountain, Khibiny)

Abstract

Digital photogrammetric models of topography (based on phototheodolite survey data) and calculated mass of snow stored within small mountain catchments are proposed to use for compiling maps of maximum snow thickness within foci of water-and-snow avalanches formation. The method had been field tested within a catchment in the Khibines and proved to be able to identify avalanches' foci and tracks, and to calculate their characteristics.