abstracts:

Active Rock Glaciers in a Changing Environment. Geomorphometric Quantification and Cartographic Presentation of Rock Glacier Surface Change with Examples from the Hohe Tauern Range, Austria

Viktor Kaufmann1 and Andreas Kellerer-Pirklbauer2

1
Viktor Kaufmann
Institute of Geodesy
Graz University of Technology
Steyrergasse 30, A-8010 Graz
e-mail: viktor.kaufmann@tugraz.at
http://www.staff.tugraz.at/viktor.kaufmann/

2Department of Geography and Regional Science, University of Graz
Heinrichstraße 36, A-8010 Graz, Austria
e-mail: andreas.kellerer@uni-graz.at
http://geographie.uni-graz.at/en/institut/staff/research-staff/andreaskellerer-pirklbauer/

This paper gives a comprehensive overview on the geomorphometric mapping of active rock glaciers, which are creep phenomena of mountain permafrost. Various methods of detection and quantification of rock glacier surface change are outlined, focusing especially on mapping flow velocity and surface elevation change. We briefly outline how this kind of geometric information can support process understanding of rock glaciers and climate change studies. Furthermore, the importance of good cartographic visualization of rock glacier surface change is addressed. Examples taken from on-going rock glacier monitoring projects carried out in the Hohe Tauern Range (Eastern Alps, Austria) not only illustrate the different cartographic possibilities, from static maps to computer animations, but also highlight quantitative information describing the kinematics of each selected rock glacier in more detail. Our preliminary findings are that change rates of flow velocities of the different rock glaciers are highly correlated and largely depend on climatic conditions, such as air temperature and ground thermal conditions.

Keywords: permafrost, rock glacier, monitoring, surface deformation, surface flow velocity, change detection, climate change, visualization, Hohe Tauern Range



Zur Kinematik der Massenbewegung im Talschluss des Blaubaches, Gemeinde Krimml.

Viktor Kaufmann
Institut für Fernerkundung und Photogrammetrie
Technische Universität Graz
Steyrergasse 30, A-8010 Graz
e-mail: viktor.kaufmann@tugraz.at

Zusammenfassung

In vorliegendem Artikel werden sowohl fotogrammetrische als auch geodätische Methoden, welche zur quantitativen Erfassung der Morphodynamik der Massenbewegung im Talschluss des Blaubachgrabens, Gemeinde Krimml, zum Einsatz kamen, besprochen. Das dargestellte Methodenspektrum zielt darauf ab, einerseits mit Luftbildzeitreihen das Bewegungsmuster des Rutschhanges flächendeckend und zeitlich zurückblickend und andererseits die aktuelle Bewegung durch geodätische Einzelpunktmessung zu erfassen. Ein diesbezügliches Monitoringprogramm wurde im Zuge von Sicherungs- und Sanierungsarbeiten im Blaubachgraben durch die WLV, Gebietsbauleitung Pinzgau, initiiert. Erste Ergebnisse in Hinblick auf Hangstabilisierung werden diskutiert.

Schlüsselwörter: Massenbewegung, Hangrutschung, Geomorphometrie, geodätisches und fotogrammetrisches Monitoring, Blaubachgraben

Summary

On the kinematics of the Blaubach mass movement, Community of Krimml

This work decribes, both photogrammetric and geodetic methods used for the quantitative detection of morphodynamic mass movement in the upper part of the catchment area of the "Blaubach" torrent in the community of Krimml. The described methods aim to provide basic information to reconstruct the morphodynamics of the landslide area using historical multi-temporal aerial photographs. The other, the present state of the current mass movement is observed by geodetic single-point surveying. In the course of protective measurements a monitoring program has been initiated by the Oberpinzgau regional branch of the Austrian Forest Engineering Service of Torrent and Avalanche Control. First results in term of slope stabilization will be discussed.

Key words: mass movement, landslide, aerial photogrammetry, geodetic survey, change detection, deformation measurement, Torrent of Blaubach



Paraglacial talus slopes instability in recently deglaciated cirques (Schober group, Austria).

Andreas Kellerer-Pirklbauer1 and Viktor Kaufmann2
1Institute of Geography and Regional Sciences, University of Graz
Heinrichstraße 36, A-8010 Graz, Austria
e-mail: andreas.kellerer@uni-graz.at

2Viktor Kaufmann
Institute of Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry
Graz University of Technology
Steyrergasse 30, A-8010 Graz
e-mail: viktor.kaufmann@tugraz.at

This paper presents observations on the paraglacial landscape adjustment in two recently deglaciated and neighbouring cirques (Kögele cirque/Kc and Hinteres Langtal cirque/HLc) in the Schober Group, Hohe Tauern Range, Central Austrian Alps (46°59’N, 12°47’E). During the Little Ice Age advance in the mid 19th century, both studied cirques have been covered by small glaciers and large perennial snow fi elds. Since then, these cryospheric landscape elements gradually disappeared almost completely at the surface leaving large talus slopes at the base of the headwalls behind. The evolution of surfaces covered by glaciers and perennial snow has been reconstructed for the years 1834, c.1850, 1872/73, 1928/29, 1969, 1982, 1997, and 1998 by using geomorphological evidences (terminal and lateral moraines), historical maps, and aerial photographs. Today, only few small patches of superfi cial glacier ice and perennial snow are
found in radiation-sheltered locations. At both cirques, a number of vegetation-free small-scale and tongue-shaped landforms (STL) have evolved from these slope sediments during the last decades (Kc n=9, HLc n=13). Thus, all STLs are very young geomorphic features caused by paraglacial slope adjustment processes. Spatial distribution, geometry and possible genesis of the features in relation to the deglaciation history are discussed. It is suggested that the coverage of glacier ice by debris could possibly be a crucial process for the ice nourishment of the rock glacier Hinteres Langtalkar.



Mapping of the 3D surface motion field of Doesen rock glacier (Ankogel group, Austria) and its spatio-temporal change (1954-1998) by means of digital photogrammetry..

Viktor Kaufmann und Richard Ladstädter
Institute of Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry
Graz University of Technology
Steyrergasse 30, A-8010 Graz
e-mail: viktor.kaufmann@tugraz.at

Doesen rock glacier (46°59'N, 13°17'E, altitude range 2339-2650 m, width 150-300 m, length 1000 m) is located in the Ankogel group of the Hohe Tauern range in Austria. The rock glacier has been the subject of multi-disciplinary research work since 1994. For example, the kinematics of Doesen rock glacier has been studied by means of geodetic surveys and remote sensing techniques, i.e., photogrammetry and satellite-based differential SAR interferometry. The 3D motion field of Doesen rock glacier was photogrammetrically obtained from multi-temporal aerial photographs from various epochs between 1954 and 1998. This heterogeneous set of photographs was evaluated twice, (1) by means of visual tracking of prominent surface particles (boulders) in the 3D stereomodels and (2) by applying automatic image matching techniques. The latter method, however, was not successful from a practical point of view, since the photogrammetric scanner used for digitizing the aerial photographs introduced geometric errors in the scans which could not be eliminated during the evaluation process. The present paper describes a second attempt to apply the same algorithms (ADVM software) to the newly digitized aerial photographs, this time using an UltraScan 5000 photogrammetric scanner of Vexcel Imaging Austria. We will briefly outline our approach of measuring 3D displacement vectors, and the practical work and the results obtained will be presented. A comparison of the results of the two photogrammetric evaluation processes, i.e., manual mapping and image matching, is given.



Photogrammetrische und geodätische Dokumentation der Hangrutschung Blaubachgraben (Gemeinde Krimml, Salzburg) für den Zeitraum 1953 bis 2006.

Viktor Kaufmann und Richard Ladstädter
Institut für Geodäsie, Technische Universität Graz
Steyrergasse 30, A-8010 Graz
e-mail: viktor.kaufmann@tugraz.at

Dieser Beitrag beschreibt die photogrammetrischen und geodätischen Arbeiten zur Erfassung der Kinematik der Hangrutschung im Blaubachgraben (Gemeinde Krimml, Salzburg, Österreich) für den Zeitraum 1953 bis 2006. Das dargestellte Methodenspektrum zielt darauf ab, einerseits mit Luftbildzeitreihen das zeitlich zurückliegende Bewegungsverhalten des Rutschhanges flächendeckend und andererseits die aktuelle Bewegung durch geodätische Einzelpunktmessung zu erfassen.

Die diesbezüglichen Arbeiten wurden vom Forsttechnischen Dienst für Wildbach- und Lawinenverbauung, Gebietsbauleitung Pinzgau, Zell am See, Bundesland Salzburg in Auftrag gegeben. Die Durchführung oblag dem Institut für Fernerkundung und Photogrammetrie (Projektleitung) und dem Institut für Navigation und Satellitengeodäsie, beide TU Graz.



Dokumentation der Morphodynamik eines Rutschhanges.

Viktor Kaufmann, Gerhard Kienast und Richard Ladstädter
Institut für Geodäsie, Technische Universität Graz
Steyrergasse 30, A-8010 Graz
e-mail: viktor.kaufmann@tugraz.at

Das Institut für Geodäsie der Technischen Universität Graz führte im Auftrag des Forsttechnischen Dienstes für Wildbach- und Lawinenverbauung, Gebietsbauleitung Oberpinzgau, eine Studie zur quantitativen Erfassung der Massenbewegung eines Rutschhanges im Talschluss des Blauchbachgrabens, Gemeinde Krimml, Salzburg, durch. Das westlich der Gerlos-Alpenstraße gelegene Arbeitsgebiet (Fläche 54 ha, Höhenerstreckung zw. 1500 m und 2000 m) ist aufgrund seiner morphologischen, geologischen und hydrologischen Gegebenheiten einer ausgeprägten Morphodynamik (Massentransport durch Kriech- und Fließprozesse, Rutschungen und Erosion) unterworfen und stellt ein (bereits wohlbekanntes) Gefahrenpotenzial für die Umwelt dar. Als Grundlage für die Weiterführung von bereits eingeleiteten Bau- und Sicherungsmaßnahmen im Blaubachgraben und als Basis für noch zu planende Meliorationsarbeiten im Rutschhang sind digitale Geländemodelle, Orthophotos und insbesondere numerische Angaben zur Morphodynamik (räumliche Verteilung und Größe der Fließgeschwindigkeit, Höhenänderung der Geländeoberfläche, Kubaturen) zu ermitteln. Bei der Lösung dieser ingenieurtechnischen Aufgabenstellung kamen sowohl geodätische als auch photogrammetrische Methoden zur Anwendung. Zur Erfassung der gegenwärtigen Aktivität des Rutschhanges - ZOBL konnte in seiner Diplomarbeit (TU Graz, 2001) bereits zwei bewegungsaktive Zonen östlich der Kammlinie Breitscharte-Schmalscharte ausweisen - wurde ein geodätisches Beobachtungsnetz eingerichtet. Im Rutschungsgebiet wurden 44 gut verteilte Messpunkte durch Torstahlstangen im Erdreich stabilisiert und während zweier Messkampagnen (Juli und Oktober 2001) durch kombinierte Richtungs- und Streckenmessung von drei stabilen Stützpunkten aus eingemessen. Für den betrachteten Beobachtungszeitraum ergaben sich horizontale Verschiebungsbeträge von 6-8 cm für Punkte entlang einer markanten Abrisskante, sowie Maximalwerte von über 20 cm für eine sehr aktive Rutschungszone unterhalb der Schönmoos-Hochalm. Flächenhafte Aussagen (Abgrenzung der Rutschungsbereiche, Fließvektorfelder, Massenbilanzen) können nur mit Hilfe der Photogrammetrie kostengünstig gewonnen werden. Zu diesem Zweck wurde vorhandenes Luftbildmaterial des Zeitraumes 1953-1999, insgesamt 11 Messflüge im Maßstabsbereich 1:9300-1:45800, ausgewertet. Mit dieser aussagekräftigen Zeitreihe von Luftaufnahmen konnte das raumzeitliche Verhalten der Rutschung über 46 Jahre hinweg zurückverfolgt werden. Bei der flächenhaften Analyse der Luftbilder kamen digitalphotogrammetrische Methoden, welche erstmals für die Bestimmung des Fließverhaltens von Blockgletschern im Hochgebirge entwickelt wurden, zum Einsatz. Hierbei erfolgte die automatische Messung von homologen Geländepunkten in den multitemporalen Luftbildern über grauwertgestützte Bildzuordnungsverfahren (Least-Squares-Matching) in Quasi-Orthophotos. Die Anzahl der so berechneten dreidimensionalen Verschiebungs-/Fließvektoren, beispielsweise ca. 70000 für das Zeitintervall 1969-1973, variierte in Abhängigkeit von Bildmaßstab, Bildqualität, Phototextur und verstrichenem Zeitintervall. Der mittlere Fehler der berechneten horizontalen Verschiebungen kann mit ±5 cm/Jahr abgeschätzt werden. Die Ergebnisse liegen in numerischer und graphischer Darstellung vor. Mit den durchgeführten Arbeiten konnte nicht nur die jüngste Entwicklung zur Morphodynamik des Untersuchungsgebietes mit hohem Genauigkeits- und Detaillierungsgrad studiert und dokumentiert werden, sondern auch der Grundstein zu einem fachübergreifenden (Geodäsie, Geologie, Forstwesen, etc.) Monitoring-Projekt gelegt werden.



Permafrost Creep and Rock Glacier Dynamics.

Haeberli 1, W., Hallet 2, B., Arenson, L., Elconin, R., Humlum, O., Kääb, A., Kaufmann, V., Ladanyi, B., Matsuoka, N., Springman, S. and Vonder Mühll, D.

1 Department of Geography, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
2 Quaternary Research Center and Department of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA

This review paper examines thermal conditions (active layer and permafrost), internal composition (rock and ice components), kinematics and rheology of creeping perennially frozen slopes in cold mountain areas. The aim is to assemble current information about creep in permafrost and rock glaciers from diverse published sources into a single paper that will be useful in studies of the flow and deformation of subsurface ice and their surface manifestations not only on Earth, but also on Mars. Emphasis is placed on quantitative information from drilling, borehole measurements, geophysical soundings, photogrammetry, laboratory experiments, etc. It is evident that quantitative holistic treatment of permafrost creep and rock glaciers requires consideration of: (a) rock weathering, snow avalanches and rockfall, with grain-size sorting on scree slopes; (b) freezing processes and ice formation in scree at sub-zero temperatures containing abundant fine material as well as coarse-grained blocks; (c) coupled thermohydro-mechanical aspects of creep and failure processes in frozen rock debris; (d) kinematics of non-isotropic, heterogeneous and layered, ice-rich permafrost on slopes with long transport paths for coarse surface material from the headwall to the front and, in some cases, subsequent re-incorporation into an advancing rock glacier causing corresponding age inversion at depth; and (e) the dynamics of rock glaciers, which include spatial and temporal variations in velocity that are manifested in the ridges, furrows and other surface structures typical of rock glaciers, as well as their down-valley motion.



Mapping of the 3D surface motion field of Doesen rock glacier (Ankogel group, Austria) and its spatio-temporal change (1954-1998) by means of digital photogrammetry.

V. Kaufmann and R. Ladstädter
Institute of Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry
Graz University of Technology, A-8010 Graz, Austria
e-mail: viktor.kaufmann@tugraz.at

Abstract

Doesen rock glacier (46°59'N, 13°17'E, altitude range 2339-2650 m, width 150-300 m, length 1000 m) is located in the Ankogel group of the Hohe Tauern range in Austria. The rock glacier has been the subject of multi-disciplinary research work since 1994. For example, the kinematics of Doesen rock glacier has been studied by means of geodetic surveys and remote sensing techniques, i.e., photogrammetry and satellite-based differential SAR interferometry.

The 3D motion field of Doesen rock glacier was photogrammetrically obtained from multi-temporal aerial photographs from various epochs between 1954 and 1998. This heterogeneous set of photographs was evaluated twice, (1) by means of visual tracking of prominent surface particles (boulders) in the 3D stereomodels and (2) by applying automatic image matching techniques. The latter method, however, was not successful from a practical point of view, since the photogrammetric scanner used for digitizing the aerial photographs introduced geometric errors in the scans which could not be eliminated during the evaluation process.

The present paper describes a second attempt to apply the same algorithms (ADVM software) to the newly digitized aerial photographs, this time using an UltraScan 5000 photogrammetric scanner of Vexcel Imaging Austria. We will briefly outline our approach of measuring 3D displacement vectors, and the practical work and the results obtained will be presented. A comparison of the results of the two photogrammetric evaluation processes, i.e., manual mapping and image matching, is given.



10 years of monitoring of the Doesen rock glacier (Ankogel group, Austria) - A review of the research activities for the time period 1995-2005.

V. Kaufmann (1), R. Ladstädter (1)  and G. Kienast (2)
(1) Institute of Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry
(2) Institute of Navigation and Satellite Geodesy
Graz University of Technology, A-8010 Graz, Austria
e-mail: viktor.kaufmann@tugraz.at

Abstract

Doesen rock glacier (46°59' N, 13°17' E, altitude range 2339-2650 m) is located in the Ankogel group of the Hohe Tauern range in Austria. The first permafrost related studies including geomorphological mapping and geophysical investigations were carried out in the early 1990s by the Institute of Geography and Regional Science of the University of Graz. In 1995, the Institute of Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry and the Institute of Navigation and Satellite Geodesy (both Graz University of Technology) commenced geodetic, photogrammetric and cartographic work in order to obtain information on the kinematic state of the rock glacier and to create more accurate maps of the area of interest. Furthermore, satellite-based differential SAR interferometry was applied to obtain additional geomorphometric information. In this paper we want to (1) give a short summary of the work carried out in the last 10 years, based mainly on literature references, and will (2) present an analysis of the photogrammetric and geodetic measurements carried out at Doesen rock glacier using tables, graphs and thematic maps. The geodetic analysis will include 34 object points and additional points of 4 profile lines of the rock glacier. These points were measured every year in August during the last 10 years, with one interruption in 2003. 



Elimination of color fringes in digital photographs caused by lateral chromatic aberration.

V. Kaufmann and R. Ladstädter
Institute of Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry
Graz University of Technology, A-8010 Graz, Austria
e-mail: viktor.kaufmann@tugraz.at

Abstract

The effects of (monochromatic and chromatic) lens aberrations in optical imaging are well documented in the literature. These geometrical imperfections are caused by the physical parameters of the optical system (lens) of the photographic camera and apply to both analog and digital cameras. All these aberrations produce lateral distortions (geometric errors) and/or longitudinal distortions (image blur) in one way or another. In this paper we focus on the elimination of the effect of lateral chromatic aberration within a post-processing step after image acquisition. This task has already become a vital topic with the advent of digital (consumer) cameras. Many references can be found in the World Wide Web. Several methods, from simple heuristic to more stringent ones, are proposed by the user community. Since the usage of digital consumer cameras (SLR or compact cameras) in documentation and mapping of cultural heritage is becoming more and more wide-spread, the present topic should be discussed in more detail. Color fringes are inherent to all analog and digital (color) photographs taken by cameras for which chromatic aberration is not sufficiently corrected for. The width of color fringes, mainly introduced by lateral chromatic aberration, is smallest around the image center and greatest in the corners of the photographs. The authors have developed a computer-based procedure to precisely determine the geometric distortions of the red and blue image channel (plane) in comparison to the green reference channel. Least-squares matching is employed at distinct corner points found by an interest operator in order to measure point displacements. The paper also describes how these measurements can be carried out using a commercial software, i.e. PhotoModeler 5.0. In a first approximation the three RGB color channels differ in scale, i.e. they are radially displaced. Originally, the DistCorr software  has been developed in order to compensate for lens distortion to obtain perfect central-perspective images. The software mentioned was readily modified for correction of lateral chromatic aberration. As a result, the geometrically re-scaled red and blue image planes are registered to the green one. The amount of image displacement of the two color channels can be specified as an additive correction to the linear parameter of the radial-symmetric lens distortion formula. Lateral color fringes can thus be eliminated to a great extent with this simple method. This paper also presents examples of practical investigations. Three lenses (17 mm, 20 mm, 50 mm) of a digital consumer camera, i.e. a  Nikon D100 SLR with 6 Megapixels, were analyzed. The results obtained are presented numerically and graphically. An outlook on further improvements in the elimination of color fringes is given at the end of the paper. 



Recent and Holocene dynamics of a rock glacier system: The example of Langtalkar (Central Alps, Austria).

M. Avian
Institute of Geography and Regional Sciences
University of Graz, A-8010 Graz, Austria
e-mail: m_avian@yahoo.com

V. Kaufmann
Institute of Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry
Graz University of Technology, A-8010 Graz, AUstria
e-mail: viktor.kaufmann@tugraz.at

G.K. Lieb
Institute of Geography and Regional Sciences
University of Graz, A-8010 Graz
e-mail: gerhard.lieb@uni-graz.at

Abstract

The Hinteres Langtalkar (Gössnitztal, Hohe Tauern, Austria) rock glacier has been part of a complex transportation system of debris and ice since the beginning of the Holocene and shows the highest creep rates of all rock glaciers measured in the Hohe Tauern Range. Results of movement analysis show that the entire rock glacier behaves very differently at different zones and that sudden temporal and spatial changes of velocity rates are a typical feature. Zones with high rates occur close to rather inactive zones and zones with low rates have rapidly accelerated within years. The increase in movement rates over time is probably caused by topography. These studies – especially the measurement of surface velocities and elevational changes – allow a differentiation of the rock glacier and a first attempt of a morphogenetic interpretation. In this context, it is important that the innermost part of the cirque was covered by a small cirque glacier during the Little Ice Age advance. This cirque glacier created a moraine complex, which obviously contributes to the material supply of the rock glacier. A first estimation of transportation rates is possible with the help of the measurement results available, leading to a probable age of at least 4000 years.



Das Hintere Langtalkar (Schobergruppe, Nationalpark Hohe Tauern) - ein Beispiel für die komplexe Morphodynamik in der Hochgebirgsstufe der Zentralalpen.

G.K. Lieb
Institut für Geographie und Raumforschung
Universität Graz, A-8010 Graz
e-mail: gerhard.lieb@uni-graz.at

V. Kaufmann
Institut für Fenerkundung und Photogrammetrie
Technische Universität Graz, A-8010 Graz
e-mail: viktor.kaufmann@tugraz.at

M. Avian
Institut für Geographie und Raumforschung
Universität Graz, A-8010 Graz

Abstract

Hinteres Langtalkar (Schober Mountains, Hohe Tauern National Park) - an example of complex morphodynamics in the high mountain zone of the Central Alps.
This paper discusses geomorphodynamic processes in a cirque (2350-3000 m a.s.l.) under permafrost conditions. It is shown on the enclosed map (scale 1:5,000). These processes were studied over an extended period by means of photogrammetric and geodetic data as well as cartographic documentations. In this way a transport system of debris could be identified that formed an excellent example of a rock glacier advancing down a steep slope. These findings appear to prove that the geomorphological features in this cirque kept developing during all off the Holocene.

Zusammenfassung

Die Arbeit diskutiert geomorphodynamische Prozesse unter Permafrostbedingungen in einem Kar (2.350-3.000 m), das in der beiliegenden KArte 1:5.000 dargestellt ist. Diese Prozesse werden auf Grundlage photogrammetrischer und geodätischer Messungen sowie kartographischer Dokumentation untersucht. Auf diese Weise wird ein Schutttransport-System mit einem gut entwickelten Blockgletscher erkennkar, der über einen Steilhang hinab vorstößt. Es wird die Vermutung begründet, dass die Entwicklung der heutigen Formenwelt im untersuchten Kar das ganze Holozän über gedauert hat.



PHOTOGRAMMETRIC TOOLS FOR PANORAMIC SECTOR SCAN IMAGERY IN THE VIDARS ANALYSIS STATION

F.W. Leberl
VEXCEL Corporation
Boulder, CO 80301

Viktor Kaufmann
Research Center Joanneum
A-8010 Graz, Austria 

Glen G. Gustafson
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA

Matt Stevens and Erwin Kienegger 
VEXCEL Corporation
Boulder, CO 80301

Abstract

Computer-assisted photo-interpretation is a recent development supported by the advent of numerous interpretation stations. A unique universal station is VIDARS - manufactered by the Richards Corporation of McLean, Virgina - since it has recently been equipped with a new software system that incorporates complex photogrammetric mensuration capabilities. Photo-interpreters typically find it difficult to perform mensuration tasks; therefore the implementation of the photogrammetric functions must not burden the user with a need to unterstand photogrammetric theories. This paper illustrates a difficult application of VIDARS to sector-scan panoramic film (Long Range Aerial Panoramic - LOROP) imagery and will show how well the user can perform target positioning tasks within his interpretation work.



COMPUTER-CONTROLLED INTERPRETATION OF LONG RANGE OBLIQUE PHOTOGRAPHY

F. Leberl, E. Kienegger, C. Council
Vexcel Corporation
Boulder, CO 80301

Viktor Kaufmann
Technical University Graz
A-8010 Graz, Austria 

Glen G. Gustafson
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA
 

Abstract

Long range oblique photography (LOROP) has hardly a tradition of use in precision measurements. However, such measurements are feasable. Typically LOROP imagery is the result of some form of scanning motion from the horizon down; this results in either a classical "sector scan" panoramic image, or in a sequence of individual central perspective frame photographs.

We have created a software system that permits to make measurements from such imagery, either in the classical mode of photo-interpreters or with the more rigourous approach of analytical photogrammetry. It employs a hardware system created for reconnaissance-type photointerpretation. This paper describes the scope of the system.



ZUR TOPOGRAPHIE UND MORPHODYNAMIK DES BLOCKLGETSCHERS HINTERES LANGTALKAR (SCHOBERGRUPPE, NATIONALPARK HOHE TAUERN, ÖSTERREICH)

Viktor Kaufmann
Institute of Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry
Graz University of Technology
Steyrergasse 30, A-8010 Graz, Austria
Tel.: +43 316 873-6336, Fax: +43 316 873-6337
e-mail: viktor.kaufmann@tugraz.at
 

Abstract

In diesem Aufsatz wird über die quantitative Erfassung der Morphodynamik des besonders aktiven Blockgletschers Hinteres Langtalkar (Schobergruppe, Nationalpark Hohe Tauern, Österreich) mittels digital-photogrammetrischer und geodätischer Methoden berichtet. Repräsentative Ergebnisse der durchgeführten Arbeiten sind in einer kombinierten Bild-Strichkarte, welche sich aus einer Luftbildkarte 1:5 000 und weiteren thematischen Nebenkarten zusammensetzt, kartographisch aufbereitet.

On the Topography and Morphodynamics of the Hinteres Langtalkar Rock Glacier (Schober Group, Hohe Tauern National Park, Austria)

The morphodynamics of the highly active Hinteres Langtalkar rock glacier (Schober Group, Hohe Tauern National Park, Austria) is documented by means of digital photogrammetry and geodetic survey. Selected results of the practical investigations are presented cartographically in a combined image-line map which consists of a orthophoto map at 1:5,000 scale and other collateral maps.



DOCUMENTATION OF THE RETREAT OF A SMALL DEBRIS-COVERED CIRQUE GLACIER (GOESSNITZKEES, AUSTRIAN ALPS) BY MEANS OF TERRESTRIAL PHOTOGRAMMETRY

Viktor Kaufmann & Richard Ladstädter
Institute of Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry
Graz University of Technology
Steyrergasse 30, A-8010 Graz, Austria
Tel.: +43 316 873-6336, Fax: +43 316 873-6337
e-mail: viktor.kaufmann@tugraz.at
 

Abstract

The mapping of glacier fluctuations is an important task of environmental research. Several methods of glacier mapping on a local, regional and global scale are available. From a historical point of view, terrestrial photogrammetry was the first powerful tool in obtaining reliable metric information about glaciers in mountainous landscapes. Today, however, terrestrial photogrammetry is only applied occasionally in glacier studies, if at all.    
In this paper we seek to show that the availability of low-cost high resolution digital (consumer) cameras opens up new perspectives in glacier monitoring. Since digital photogrammetric software is readily available for 3D data capture, we conclude that there is a good chance of a revival of classical terrestrial photogrammetry in the digital domain.
The potential of a fully digital approach using a low-cost digital consumer camera has been investigated in a case study. The main task of the study was to obtain parameters quantifying the retreat of the Goessnitzkees glacier from ground-based photographs taken at three different time periods (1988, 1997, 2003).

Key words: Goessnitzkees, glacier mapping and monitoring, digital photogrammetry, terrestrial photogrammetry, Zeiss TAL phototheodolite, Rolleiflex 6006 réseau camera, Nikon D100 digital camera.

Paper presented at the 4th ICA Mountain cartography Workshop, 30 September - 2 October 2004, Vall de Nuria, Catalonia, Spain.



DOCUMENTATION OF THE MOVEMENT OF THE HINTERES LANGTALKAR ROCK GLACIER

Viktor Kaufmann & Richard Ladstädter
Institute of Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry
Graz University of Technology
Steyrergasse 30, A-8010 Graz, Austria
Tel.: +43 316 873-6336, Fax: +43 316 873-6337
e-mail: viktor.kaufmann@tugraz.at
 

Abstract

Rock glaciers are striking phenomena of high mountain permafrost. These periglacial landforms are composed of rock and ice and creep downslope at a typical rate of a few decimeters per year. This movement and other surface changes can be measured by various observation techniques. In this paper a digital-photogrammetric approach to rock glacier monitoring is described based on multi-temporal aerial photographs. A software package, ADVM (Automatic Displacement Vector Measurement), has been developed, which automatically derives 3D displacement vectors from the photographs. The basic concepts of this software will be given first, followed by a detailed description of a new constrained image matching technique, implemented in the current ADVM 2.0 version. Finally, the successful application of the software is shown in a case study: The spatio-temporal evolution and dynamic behavior of the Hinteres Langtalkar rock glacier (Hohe Tauern range of the Austrian Alps) was reconstructed using aerial photographs (1954-1999). Results of the practical investigations are presented graphically and numerically.

Key words: Environment, Geomorphology, Change Detection, Monitoring, Aerial, Multitemporal, Digital, Photogrammetry

Paper presented at the 20th Congress of the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, 12-23 July 2004, Istanbul, Turkey.



ESTIMATION OF ROCK GLACIER SURFACE DEFORMATION USING SAR INTERFEROMETRY DATA

Lado W. Kenyi
Institute of Digital Image Processing
Joanneum Research, Graz, Austria
Wastiangasse 6, A-8010 Graz, Austria
e-mail: lado-wani.kenyi@joanneum.at

Viktor kaufmann
Institute of Geodesy
Graz University of Technology
Steyrergasse 30, A-8010 Graz, Austria
Tel.: +43 316 873-6336, Fax: +43 316 873-6337
e-mail: viktor.kaufmann@tugraz.at

 

Abstract

The detection and quantification of surface deformation of an active rock glacier using the differential synthetic aperture radar (SAR) interferometry (D-InSAR) technique is presented. An average deformation rate of -6 mm/35 days in the radar line of sight was estimated for the summer of 1992. The maximum deformation rate, -18 mm/35 days, was identified at the upper part of the rock glacier, whereas the deformation rate at the snout of the rock glacier was about -10 mm/35 days. The spatial distribution of the surface deformation in the D-InSAR displacement map is smooth and supports the idea that ice is the stress-trasferring medium in rock glaciers.

Index terms: Differential synthetic aperture radar interferometry (D-InSAR), mountain permafrost creep, rock glaciers, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) interferometry.

IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Vol. 1, No. 6, June 2003, 152-1515.



MEASURING ROCK GLACIER SURFACE DEFORMATION USING SAR INTERFEROMETRY

Lado W. Kenyi
Institute of Digital Image Processing
Joanneum Research, Graz, Austria
Wastiangasse 6, A-8010 Graz, Austria
e-mail: lado-wani.kenyi@joanneum.at

Viktor kaufmann
Institute of Geodesy
Graz University of Technology
Steyrergasse 30, A-8010 Graz, Austria
Tel.: +43 316 873-6336, Fax: +43 316 873-6337
e-mail: viktor.kaufmann@tugraz.at

 

Abstract

The detection and quantification od surface deformation of an active rock glacier using the differential SAR interferometry technique is presented. Anaverage deformation rate of -6mm/35 days in the radar line-of-sight in the summer 1992 was estimated. The maximum deformation rate was located at the upper part of the rock glacier and amounts to -18mm/35 days. In contrast, at the snout of the rock glacier the deformation rate was onlöy arount -10mm/35 days. The spatial distribution of the surface deformation in the D-InSAR displacement map is smooth and support the idea that ice is the stress transferring medium in rock glaciers.

Paper presented at the 8th International Conference on Permafrost, 21-25 July 2003, Zurich, Switzerland.



QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF ROCK GLACIER CREEP BY MEANS OF DIGITAL PHOTOGRAMMETRY USING MULTI-TEMPORAL AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS. TWO CASE STUDIES IN THE AUSTRIAN ALPS

Viktor Kaufmann & Richard Ladstädter
Institute of Geodesy
Graz University of Technology
Steyrergasse 30, A-8010 Graz, Austria
Tel.: +43 316 873-6336, Fax: +43 316 873-6337
e-mail: viktor.kaufmann@tugraz.at
 

Abstract

This paper presents a special measuring method of surface deformation and flow velocity of creeping rock glaciers based on digital photogrammetry. The underlying concept of automatic measurement of 3-D surface displacement vectors in time-series of multi-year digital aerial photographs is explained. In contrast to photogrammetric standard procedures image matching is not carried out in the space of the original photos but in quasi-orthophotos derived therefrom using rough and preliminary digital terrain models. A software package called ADVM (Automatic Displacement Vector Measurement), which is written in Visual C++ for running on a Windows-based PC, has been developed. The software has been tested within the framework of two case studies which comprised the spatio-temporal analysis of the kinematic behavior of three active rock glaciers in the Austrian Alps, i.e. the adjacent Inneres and Aeusseres Hochebenkar rock glaciers in the Oetztal Alps and the Hinteres Langtalkar rock glacier located in the Schober group, Hohe Tauern range. Some selected results of the photogrammetric evaluation are presented numerically and graphically.

Paper presented at the 8th International Conference on Permafrost, 21-25 July 2003, Zurich, Switzerland.



ROCK GLACIER DYNAMICS: IMPLICATIONS FROM HIGH-RESOLUTION MEASUREMENTS OF SURFACE VELOCITY FIELDS

Andreas Kääb
Department of Geography
University of Zurich, Switzerland

Viktor Kaufmann & Richard Ladstädter
Institute of Geodesy
Graz University of Technology
Steyrergasse 30, A-8010 Graz, Austria
Tel.: +43 316 873-6336, Fax: +43 316 873-6337
e-mail: viktor.kaufmann@tugraz.at 

T. Eiken
Department of Geography
University of Oslo, Norway 

Abstract

Recent high-resolution measurements of surface velocity fields using terrestrial, air- and space-borne methods have deepened insight into dynamics of rock glaciers. Here, we compare selected studies on surface velocity fields in order to identify basic processes involved in the development of rock glacier surfaces. The evolution of rock glacier geometry is shown to be a function of mass advection, 3-dimensional straining, thaw settlement or frost heave, respectively. All of these processes can reach the same order of magnitude. Available studies revealed creep fields to be highly coherent in space, clearly pointing to the presence of stress-transfering ice in the ground. The magnitude and type of dynamic processes reflect a high thermally-induced inertia of the creeping mountain permafrost. Systematic globally distributed monitoring series are identified as a major requirement for future research.

Paper presented at the 8th International Conference on Permafrost, 21-25 July 2003, Zurich, Switzerland.



TERRESTRIAL LASER SCANNING FOR ROCK GLACIER MONITORING

Arnold Bauer and Gerhard Paar
Institute of Digital Image Processing
Joanneum Research, Graz, Austria
Wastiangasse 6, A-8010 Graz, Austria
e-mail: arnold.bauer@joanneum.at, gerhard.paar@joanneum.at

Viktor Kaufmann
Institute of Geodesy
Graz University of Technology
Steyrergasse 30, A-8010 Graz, Austria
Tel.: +43 316 873-6336, Fax: +43 316 873-6337
e-mail: viktor.kaufmann@tugraz.at
 

Abstract

The evaluation of glacier and rock glacier surface changes needs fast and cheap observation methods with an accuracy in the range of a few centimeters. Long-range laser scanners can achieve measuring distances up to a few kilometers of range. It is shown that a system using such a device is able to successfully perform an efficient long-term change survey. We report on the sensor and software setup, the logistics and the procedure for data evaluation to perform the proposed monitoring task. An experiment was carried out at the Hinteres Langtalkar rock glacier in the Hohe Tauern range of the Austrian Alps. The obtained results enable the access to high-resolution surface deformation data in all three dimensions. Relevant parameters and advantages of the system as well as drawbacks and ideas for further improvements are pointed out. The operational system is available for further scientific exploitation.

Paper presented at the 8th International Conference on Permafrost, 21-25 July 2003, Zurich, Switzerland.



MORPHOMETRIC DOCUMENTATION AND COMPUTER-BASED VISUALIZATION OF SLOPE DEFORMATION AND SLOPE CREEP OF THE BLAUBACH LANDSLIDE (SALZBURG, AUSTRIA)

Viktor Kaufmann
Institute of Geodesy
Graz University of Technology
Steyrergasse 30, A-8010 Graz, Austria
Tel.: +43 316 873-6336, Fax: +43 316 873-6337
e-mail: viktor.kaufmann@tugraz.at
 

Abstract

This paper describes a project (2001 – 2002), which has been initiated and partially financed by the Oberpinzgau regional branch of the Austrian Forest Engineering Service of Torrent and Avalanche Control. The Institute of Geodesy of the Graz University of Technology was asked to provide basic information about the past 50 years of spatio-temporal development and the present state of the dynamic behavior of the very active Blaubach landslide.

Key words: Landslide monitoring, aerial photogrammetry, geodetic survey, change detection, deformation measurement, creep velocity, surface height change, visualization, computer animation.

Paper presented at the 7th International Symposium on High Mountain Remote Sensing Cartography (HMRSC-VII), Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, 15-26 July 2002.
 



MONITORING OF ACTIVE ROCK GLACIERS BY MEANS OF DIGITAL PHOTOGRAMMETRY

Viktor Kaufmann and Richard Ladstädter
Institute of Geodesy
Graz University of Technology
Steyrergasse 30, A-8010 Graz, Austria
Tel.: +43 316 873-6336, Fax: +43 316 873-6337
e-mail: viktor.kaufmann@tugraz.at
 

Abstract

Rock glaciers are creep phenomena of alpine/mountain permafrost and consist of a mixture of rocks (debris) and ice. The upper layer (= active layer) is only composed of rocks, its voids are not filled with ice. From a bird’s eye view rock glaciers display a viscous flow-like landform with often prominent furrows and ridges. Typically, the front slope of intact rock glaciers is straight and steep. Rock glaciers may be lobate or tongue-shaped, their age is estimated at several thousands of years.
Active rock glaciers are creeping downhill by force of gravity. The annual flow velocities are in the range of centimeters to meters. This movement causes surface deformation, creating a topography as described above. In general, the rate of change of the flow velocity and of the rock glacier thickness is strongly influenced by climatic parameters, i.e., the mean annual air temperature and precipitation. In the last two decades rock glaciers have been studied intensively in order to support theories on climatic change, and especially to give proof of recent climatic warming.
In the first part of our poster presentation we introduce our in-house developed software package ADVM (Automatic Displacement Vector Measurement) with which surface flow velocities and surface height change of rock glaciers can be measured semi-automatically by means of digital photogrammetric methods applied to digitized multi-temporal aerial photographs. In the second part results from two case studies are presented numerically and graphically.
The concept of the ADVM software is based on the automatic measurement of 3-D displacement/flow vectors of prominent features of the rock glacier surface, i.e. rocks and boulders, in aerial photographs taken in two different time periods. In order to cope with differing photo scales and flight line geometries we propose the use of quasi-orthophotos (cp. Baltsavias 1996 and Schenk et al. 1990) for digital image matching. Preliminary disparity maps between the orthophotos are computed using the normalized cross-correlation function. Based on this information of approximate locations of homologous points high-precision image matching is then only carried out at points, which had been selected using the Foerstner interest operator, applying the least-squares matching algorithm. As a result, precise 3-D displacement/flow vectors can be computed and the given preliminary digital terrain model(s) can be improved as well.
The ADMV software has been tested within the framework of two case studies which comprised the spatio-temporal analysis of the dynamic behavior of three active rock glaciers in the Austrian Alps, i.e., the Inneres and Aeusseres Hochebenkar rock glaciers in the Oetztal Alps and the Hinteres Langtalkar rock glacier located in the Schober group, Hohe Tauern range. Multi-year aerial photographs taken in the years between 1953 and 1999 were evaluated. From a geomorphological point of view the main findings are as follows: The analysis of the digital measurements obtained for the Aeusseres Hochebenkar rock glacier and the Hinteres Langtalkar rock glacier reveal a surface flow velocity field which increases nearly linearly from the root to the snout of the rock glaciers, with maximum values of 1-2 m/year. The quite active state of the two rock glaciers is mainly induced by their specific topographic situation. At the Inneres Hochebenkar rock glacier two active regions (present maximum horizontal flow velocities of up to 35 cm/year) are separated from each other by a rather inactive zone.

Paper to be presented at the ISPRS Commission III, Symposium 2002, Graz, Austria, 9-13 September 2002..
 



STUDIEN ZUR MORPHODYNAMIK EINER GEOLOGISCHEN STÖRZONE IM BLAUBACHGRABEN BEI KRIMML, SALZBURG

Endbericht zum Projekt des Forsttechnischen Dienstes für Wildbach- und Lawinenverbauung, Gebietsbauleitung Oberpinzgau - Kurzfassung

Viktor Kaufmann (Projektleiter)
Institut für Geodäsie
Technische Universität Graz
Steyrergasse 30, A-8010 Graz
Tel.: +43 316 873-6336, Fax: +43 316 873-6337
E-mail: viktor.kaufmann@tugraz.at
 

Zusammenfassung

Hauptziel dieses Projektes war die quantitative Erfassung der Massenbewegung eines Rutschhanges im Talschluss des Blaubachgrabens, Gemeinde Krimml, Salzburg. Das Arbeitsgebiet (geographische Position 12°08’E, 47°13’N; ÖK 1:50.000, Blatt Krimml, Nr. 151 bzw. Alpenvereinskarte Zillertaler Alpen, östl. Blatt, Nr. 35/3, 1:25.000) ist aufgrund seiner morphologischen, geologischen und hydrologischen Gegebenheiten einer ausgeprägten Morphodynamik unterworfen und stellt ein (bereits wohlbekanntes) Gefahrenpotenzial für die Umwelt dar. Als Grundlage für die Weiterführung von bereits eingeleiteten Bau- und Sicherungsmaßnahmen im Blaubachgraben und als Basis für noch zu planende Meliorationsarbeiten im Rutschhang waren digitale Geländemodelle, Orthophotos und insbesondere numerische Angaben zur Morphodynamik (räumliche Verteilung und Größe der Fließgeschwindigkeit, Höhenänderung der Geländeoberfläche, Volumenänderung) zu ermitteln. Bei der Lösung dieser ingenieur-technischen Aufgabenstellung kamen sowohl geodätische als auch photogrammetrische Methoden zur Anwendung. Es wurden im speziellen folgende Projektziele erreicht:

1. Um die aktuelle bzw. auch die zukünftige Bewegung des Rutschhanges für ausgewählte Messpunkte mit hoher Genauigkeit feststellen zu können, wurde ein geodätisches Beobachtungsnetz (Stütznetz) eingerichtet. Für die Bestimmung der gesuchten dreidimensionalen Verschiebungsvektoren wurde eine repräsentative Anzahl von Messpunkten in der Rutschungszone ausgewählt und dauerhaft stabilisiert. Durch geodätische Einmessung dieser Beobachtungspunkte zu zwei Epochen im Sommer/Herbst 2001 ist das aktuelle Ausmaß der Rutschung quantitativ erfasst worden. Die Messergebnisse (= dreidimensionalen Verschiebungsvektoren) wurden numerisch ausgewiesen und auch anschaulich graphisch dargestellt.
2. Für die raum-zeitliche Analyse des Rutschhanges wurde eine repräsentative Anzahl von Luftbildern (1953-1999) ausgewählt, angekauft und für die weitere photogrammetrische Auswertung digital aufbereitet.
3. Für die Herstellung von Orthophotos und für die zahlenmäßige Abschätzung des Massentransportes im Rutschungsgebiet wurden hochauflösende digitale Geländemodelle (DGM) für drei repräsentative Epochen (1953, 1989 und 1997) durch konventionelle Luftbildauswertung am Analytischen Stereoauswertegerät bestimmt.
4. Für die visuelle Interpretation der Morphodynamik der Rutschungszone wurden für alle Aufnahmezeitpunkte Orthophotos, Quasi-Orthophotos bzw. projektiv umgebildete Luftbilder auf digitalem Wege erstellt. Insbesondere wurde mit Hilfe der Stereoskopie die raum-zeitliche Bewegung des Rutschungsgebietes visuell leicht auffassbar gemacht (Ausnutzung des Effektes der Bewegungsparallaxe).
5. Es wurden dreidimensionale Verschiebungsvektoren bzw. daraus abgeleiteten Bewegungsgrößen (jährliche horizontale Fließgeschwindigkeit) für ausgewählte Objektpunkte (Gebäude und Bäume) innerhalb der Rutschungszone durch konventionelle photogrammetrische Auswertung der Luftbildzeitreihe am Analytischen Plotter bestimmt.
6. Es erfolgte eine raum-zeitliche Analyse des gesamten Luftbildmaterials mit Hilfe von digitalphotogrammetrischen Methoden. Für die auswertbaren Zeitintervalle zwischen 1953 und 1999 wurde die dreidimensionale Deformation der Rutschungszone flächendeckend sowohl durch ein dichtes Vektorfeld als auch durch die Angabe der Höhenänderung der Geländeoberfläche beschrieben. Die Ergebnisse wurden wahlweise numerisch bzw. graphisch dargestellt.
7. Aus dem Vergleich der durch die Digitalphotogrammetrie ermittelten digitalen Geländemodelle zu den einzelnen Epochen wurde eine zumindest grobe Abschätzung des Massenumsatzes im gesamten Arbeitsgebiet vorgenommen..
8. Digitale Aufbereitung aller punktuellen und flächenhaften Auswerteergebnisse in einem für die Weiterverarbeitung in einem GIS günstigen Datenformat.
 



QUANTITATIVE ERFASSUNG DER MORPHODYNAMIK VON GLETSCHERN UND BLOCKGLETSCHERN - PROJEKTE UND METHODISCHE UNTERSUCHUNGEN IM NATIONALPARK HOHE TAUERN

Viktor Kaufmann
Institut für Angewandte Geodäsie
Technische Universität Graz
Steyrergasse 30, A-8010 Graz
Tel.: +43 316 873-6336, Fax: +43 316 873-6337
E-mail: viktor.kaufmann@tugraz.at
 

Zusammenfassung

In diesem Beitrag soll erstmals eine Gesamtschau aller Forschungsprojekte vorgenommen werden, welche das Institut für Angewandte Geodäsie der TU Graz in Zusammenarbeit mit dem Institut für Geographie der UNI Graz und dem Institut für Digitale Bildverarbeitung von Joanneum Research Graz im Nationalpark Hohe Tauern im Zeitraum 1995-2000 durchgeführt hat. Gegenstand der wissenschaftlich-technischen Projekte sind einerseits die beiden benachbarten Gletscher Gößnitz- und das Hornkees in der Schobergruppe und die davon unweit gelegenen Blockgletscher im Weißenkar und beim Hinteren Langtalsee und andererseits der Dösener Blockgletscher in der Ankogelgruppe.
Gletscher und Blockgletscher sind markante Landschaftselemente des Hochgebirgsraumes und unterliegen einem fortwährenden Veränderungsprozess in Abhängigkeit der auf sie wirkenden physikalischen Kräfte und meteorologischen Bedingungen. Dieser Prozess ist bei Gletschern in Form von Fließbewegung, Vorstoß bzw. Rückzug meist deutlich sichtbar ausgeprägt, wohingegen das langsame Kriechen bzw. eine Volumenänderung von Blockgletschern nahezu von unseren Augen unbemerkt erfolgt.
Ziel der Projekte ist es, die dynamische Veränderung der erwähnten "Gletscher" in Funktion von Raum und Zeit quantitativ zu beschreiben. Begleitende Untersuchungen wurden durchgeführt, um das Methodenspektrum zur Lösung der Aufgabenstellung nach Kriterien, wie z.B. Genauigkeit und Kosten, zu bewerten und in Hinblick auf zu planende Langzeit-Beobachtungsprogramme – im Rahmen der Programme zur Erfassung der Auswirkungen der globalen Klimaveränderung – weiterzuentwickeln.

Schlagwörter: Gletscher-Monitoring, Blockgletscher-Monitoring, geodätische Vermessung, Photogrammetrie, Fernerkundung, Kartographie, Computeranimation.

Schriftlicher Beitrag zum 2. Symposium zur Forschung im Nationalpark Hohe Tauern, 15. - 17. November 2001, Burg Kaprun, Salzburg, Österreich.
 



ESTIMATION OF ALPINE PERMAFROST SURFACE DEFORMATION USING InSAR DATA

Lado W. Kenyi
Institute of Digital Image Processing
Joanneum Research
Wastiangasse 6, A-8010 Graz, Austria
Tel.: +43 316 876-1715
Fax: +43 316 876-1720
e-mail: lado-wani.kenyi@joanneum.ac.at

Viktor Kaufmann
Institute of Applied Geodesy
Graz University of Technology
Steyrergasse 30, A-8010 Graz, Austria
Tel.: +43 316 873-6336, Fax: +43 316 873-6337
e-mail: viktor.kaufmann@tugraz.at
 

Abstract

The detection of active rock glacier and the quantification of the observed surface movement as well as its temporal change using the D-InSAR method are presented. An average deformation rate of -7.7 mm/35 days in the radar line-of-sight, iin the summer of 1992, was estimated. Whereas, the corresponding geodetic measurement, vertical component of 3D flow velocity, was about -8.0 mm/35 days. Additionally, the spatial distribution of the rock glacier surface deformation derived from the D-InSAR data matches the photogrammetric and geodetic generated results to a very high degree.

Paper presented at the IGARSS 2001 International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia, 9-13 July 2001.
 



SPATIO-TEMPORAL ANALYSIS OF THE DYNAMIC BEHAVIOUR OF THE HOCHEBENKAR ROCK GLACIERS (OETZTAL ALPS, AUSTRIA) BY MEANS OF DIGITAL PHOTOGRAMMETRIC METHODS

Viktor Kaufmann and Richard Ladstaedter
Institute of Applied Geodesy
Graz University of Technology
Steyrergasse 30, A-8010 Graz, Austria
Tel.: +43 316 873-6336, Fax: +43 316 873-6337
e-mail: viktor.kaufmann@tu-graz.ac.at
 

Abstract

The spatio-temporal variations of the surface of a rock glacier, i.e. the change of elevation and the three-dimensional directional deformation, can be determined using various quantitative measurement methods, i.e., geodetic survey, satellite-based positioning with GPS/GLONASS, photogrammetry, radar interferometry, and also laser scanning. In this paper we introduce a new concept of mapping and monitoring of rock glaciers by means of digital (softcopy) photogrammetry. Digital photogrammetry is based on digital image data and computer processing. Image matching, i.e. digital point transfer, is used as a powerful tool for automatic measurement of homologous, i.e. conjugate, points in the digital data sets. This technique enables a semi-automatic or even automatic triangulation of digital photographs, the automatic computation of digital terrain models, and subsequently, the automatic measurement of a dense field of three-dimensional flow vectors based on multi-year image data, in particular. Various aspects of the proposed processing chain are discussed in detail. The present concept has been implemented in a software package called ADVM (Automatic Displacement Vector Measurement), which is written in Visual C++ for running on a Windows-based personal computer. A case study has been carried out in the Oetztal Alps, Austria, in order to demonstrate the applicability of the concept. Aerial photographs (1953, 1969, 1971, 1977, 1979, 1981, 1990, and 1997) covering two adjacent rock glaciers, i.e. the Outer and the Inner Hochebenkar rock glacier, were acquired from the Austrian Federal Office of Metrology and Surveying. The various steps of the evaluation process, i.e., scanning of the analogue photographs, photogrammetric orientation, orthophoto production, computation of digital terrain models, and the determination of three-dimensional flow vectors, are described. Examples of the results obtained are presented numerically and graphically. For the first time it has been possible to reveal the dynamic behaviour of the Hochebenkar rock glaciers with high spatial resolution and with full coverage of the area of interest. The ease of the proposed method was confirmed, and moreover, the overall accuracy is high and the processing time of the given multi-year data set is promisingly low. The paper concludes with recommendations for further developments and improvements.

Paper presented at the 6th International Symposium on High Mountain Remote Sensing Cartography (HMRSC-VI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 4-5 September 2000.
 



DETECTION AND QUANTIFICATION OF ROCK GLACIER DEFORMATION USING ERS D-InSAR DATA

Lado W. Kenyi
Institute of Digital Image Processing
Joanneum Research
Wastiangasse 6, A-8010 Graz, Austria
Tel.: +43 316 876-1715
Fax: +43 316 876-1720
e-mail: lado-wani.kenyi@joanneum.ac.at

Viktor Kaufmann
Institute of Applied Geodesy
Graz University of Technology
Steyrergasse 30, A-8010 Graz, Austria
Tel.: +43 316 873-6336, Fax: +43 316 873-6337
e-mail: viktor.kaufmann@tu-graz.ac.at
 

Abstract

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) systems normally record both the amplitude and the phase of the backscattered echoes. However, the phase of a single backscattered image is of no use and therefore, conventionally the amplitude or intensity image is usually provided to the user. But on the contrary, the phase difference of two backscattered SAR images of the same area on the ground taken at slightly different view angles can be utilised to generate digital elevation model (DEM) of the imaged terrain. This technique is known as SAR interferometry (InSAR) and can be extended to differential SAR interferometry (D-InSAR) to detect surface changes in the order of few cm. Although the D-InSAR has been shown to successfully derive surface displacement in the radar line-of-sight caused by earthquakes or mass movements in alpine and arctic terrain, a number of questions related to the properties of rock glaciers and the imaging geometry of the SAR sensor remain to be answered. These include the relative small size of the rock glaciers in comparison to the SAR pixel resolution, the rough surface topography composed of debris and rocks, the perennial snow patches and snow cover most of the year in the areas of interest, the rather small flow velocities of active rock glaciers in the range of centimetres to few meters (in some cases) per year,  the look angle of the SAR sensor, and the geometric and temporal baselines requirements for successful D-InSAR data sets.

In this paper, the detection of active, i.e. creeping rock glaciers and consequently the quantification of the observed surface deformation, its temporal change using D-InSAR methods and the prerequisites to perform such analysis on a regional scale is presented. In one of the study cases, the active Doesen rock glacier, where the coherency of interferometric pairs was very high and the perpendicular component of the baselines were almost zero, an average deformation rate of about -0.77 cm/35 days (summer 1992) in the radar line-of-sight was estimated. In the following sections the description of the SAR data compiled, the interferometric processing procedures used to generate the D-InSAR products and the discussion and quantification of the results achieved are presented.

Paper presented at the ERS-ENVISAT Symposium, Gothenburg, Sweden, 16-20 October 2000.
 



RECONSTRUCTION AND VISUALIZATION OF THE RETREAT OF TWO SMALL CIRQUE GLACIERS IN THE AUSTRIAN ALPS SINCE 1850 - From static maps towards dynamic computer animation

Viktor Kaufmann
Institute of Applied Geodesy
Graz University of Technology
Steyrergasse 30, A-8010 Graz, Austria
Tel.: +43 316 873-6336, Fax: +43 316 873-6337
e-mail: viktor.kaufmann@tu-graz.ac.at

Reinhard Ploesch
Computing and Information Services Center
Graz University of Technology
Steyrergasse 30, A-8010 Graz, Austria
Tel.: +43 316 873-7192/5930, Fax: +43 316 873-7699
e-mail: ploesch@zid.tu-graz.ac.at
 

Abstract

This paper describes the reconstruction and visualization of the retreat of two small cirque glaciers since the Little Ice Age advance of 1850. The two neighboring glaciers, Goessnitzkees and Hornkees, are located in the Schober group (Hohe Tauern range, Austria). The detailed explanations refer to a research project which has been carried out by the Institute of Geography (University of Graz) and the Institute of Applied Geodesy (Graz University of Technology) with financial assistance from the Hohe Tauern National Park Service. On the basis of prominent moraines (1850), old maps (1873, 1929) and metric aerial photographs (1954, 1969, 1974, 1983, 1992, and 1997) 9 glacial stages of the recent history of the glacier were reconstructed. All relevant data are stored in a digital database (for glacier studies) which is composed of 4 layers, i.e., digital terrain model, glacier boundaries/masks, orthophotos, and collateral information. A comprehensive spatial-temporal analysis of the given time series was performed using the digital database. The evaluation reveals, e.g., that the surface areas of Goessnitzkees and Hornkees have decreased by 51% and 61%, respectively, since 1850. The corresponding reduction in volume amounts to 77.5 mill. m³ and 38.2 mill. m³. Furthermore, the digital database is also the data source for subsequent cartographic work, i.e. the visualization of glacier retreat. The presented examples of visualization cover traditional maps, e.g., orthophoto maps, contour line maps and thematic maps, and also modern techniques of computer animation. The latter has been implemented in a "glacier movie" which presents the glacial retreat as a continuous process over space and time.
 

Zusammenfassung

In diesem Beitrag wird die Rekonstruktion und Visualisierung des Gletscherrückganges von zwei Kargletschern (Gößnitz- und Hornkees) der Schobergruppe (Hohe Tauern, Österreich) seit dem neuzeitlichen Hochstand von 1850 erörtert. Die Ausführungen beziehen sich auf ein Forschungsprojekt, welches gemeinsam vom Institut für Angewandte Geographie der Universität Graz und vom Institut für Angewandte Geodäsie der Technischen Universität Graz ausgeführt und vom Kärntner Nationalparkfonds finanziell unterstützt wurde. Die Rekonstruktion des Gletscherhochstandes von 1850 erfolgte anhand von Ufermoränen. Alte Karten wurden zur Rekonstruktion der Stände von 1873 und 1929 herangezogen, wohingegen Luftbilder für die jüngeren Stände (1954, 1969, 1974, 1983, 1992 und 1997) photogrammetrisch ausgewertet wurden. Die Rekonstruktionsergebnisse der einzelnen Gletscherstände wurden in einer digitalen Datenbasis, welche (1) digitale Geländemodelle, (2) Gletschergrenzen bzw. –flächen, (3) Orthophotos und (4) Zusatzinformationen umfaßt, für weiterführende glaziologische und kartographische Arbeiten bereitgestellt. Die numerische Auswertung ergab u.a., daß das Gößnitzkees 51% und das Hornkees 61% seiner Fläche seit 1850 verloren hat. Die entsprechenden Volumenverluste sind 77,5 Mill. m³ bzw. 38,2 Mill. m³. Die Visualisierung der einzelnen Gletscherstände sowie des Gletscherrückganges umspannt die breite Palette der kartographischen Darstellungsmöglichkeiten (Orthophotokarte, Schichtlinienplan, Axonometrie, thematische Karte) bis hin zur Computer-Animation, wo der Gletscherrückgang als kontinuierlicher Prozeß synthetisiert wurde. Zum gestellten Thema liegt ein Videofilm vor.

Paper presented at the International ICA Workshop on "High Mountain cartography 2000", Alpine Centre Rudolfshütte, Salzburg, 29 March - 2 April 2000.
 



MAPPING AND VISUALIZATION OF THE RETREAT OF TWO CIRQUE GLACIERS IN THE AUSTRIAN HOHE TAUERN NATIONAL PARK

Viktor Kaufmann
Institute of Applied Geodesy
Graz University of Technology
Steyrergasse 30, A-8010 Graz, Austria
Tel.: +43 316 873-6336, Fax: +43 316 873-6337
e-mail: viktor.kaufmann@tu-graz.ac.at

Reinhard Ploesch
Computing and Information Services Center
Graz University of Technology
Steyrergasse 30, A-8010 Graz, Austria
Tel.: +43 316 873-7192/5930, Fax: +43 316 873-7699
e-mail: ploesch@zid.tu-graz.ac.at
 

Abstract

This paper describes the three-dimensional reconstruction of the glaciation of two neighboring cirques from the Little Ice Age advance of 1850 up to the present (1997), and the visualization of its spatio-temporal changes during this time period by means of standard methods of cartography and modern computer animation. The glaciers (Goessnitzkees and Hornkees) are located in the Schober group (Hohe Tauern range, Central Alps, Austria). A total of 9 different glacial stages were reconstructed. Computer-based analysis of the given time series was performed using a special digital database for glacier studies. Various numerical and graphical results show the course of deglaciation. Since the glaciers are largely covered by debris, a digital-photogrammetric procedure based on the Least Squares Matching (LSM) algorithm was developed in order to automate the generation of digital terrain models and the computation of three-dimensional flow vectors from the multi-year aerial photographs. This procedure facilitates the combination of aerial photographs of any scale and geometry. Practical results prove the applicability of this method in glacier mapping. The computer animation "glacier movie" (with sound) of the glacier retreat has been implemented in the PC-based information system of the Austrian Hohe Tauern National Park for public access.

Paper will be presented at the 19th ISPRS Congress, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 16-23 July, 2000.
 



RECONSTRUCTION AND VISUALIZATION OF TWO SMALL CIRQUE GLACIERS IN THE AUSTRIAN ALPS - From static maps towards dynamic computer animation

Viktor Kaufmann
Institute of Applied Geodesy
Graz University of Technology
Steyrergasse 30, A-8010 Graz, Austria
Tel.: +43 316 873-6336, Fax: +43 316 873-6337
e-mail: viktor.kaufmann@tu-graz.ac.at

Reinhard Ploesch
Computing and Information Services Center
Graz University of Technology
Steyrergasse 30, A-8010 Graz, Austria
Tel.: +43 316 873-7192/5930, Fax: +43 316 873-7699
e-mail: ploesch@zid.tu-graz.ac.at
 

Abstract

This paper describes the reconstruction and visualization of the retreat of two small cirque glaciers since the Little Ice Age advance of 1850. The two neighboring glaciers, Goessnitzkees and Hornkees, are located in the Schober group (Hohe Tauern range, Austria). The detailed explanations refer to a research project which has been carried out by the Institute of Geography (University of Graz) and the Institute of Applied Geodesy (Graz University of Technology) with financial assistance from the Hohe Tauern National Park Service. On the basis of prominent moraines (1850), old maps (1873, 1929) and metric aerial photographs (1954, 1969, 1974, 1983, 1992, and 1997) 9 glacial stages of the recent history of the glacier were reconstructed. All relevant data are stored in a digital database (for glacier studies) which is composed of 4 layers, i.e., digital terrain model, glacier boundaries/ masks, orthophotos, and collateral information. A comprehensive spatial-temporal analysis of the given time series was performed using the digital database. The evaluation reveals, e.g., that the surface areas of Goessnitzkees and Hornkees have decreased by 51% and 61%, respectively, since 1850. The corresponding reduction in volume amounts to 77.5 mill. m³ and 38.2 mill. m³. Furthermore, the digital database is also the data source for subsequent cartographic work, i.e. the visualization of glacier retreat. The presented examples of visualization cover traditional maps, e.g., orthophoto maps, contour line maps and thematic maps, and also modern techniques of computer animation. The latter has been implemented in a "glacier movie" (with sound) which presents the glacier retreat as a continuous process over space and time.



TOPOGRAPHIC MAPPING OF THE VOLCANO NEVADO OJOS DEL SALADO
USING OPTICAL AND MICROWAVE IMAGE DATA

Viktor Kaufmann
Institute of Applied Geodesy
Graz University of Technology
Steyrergasse 30, A-8010 Graz, Austria
Tel.: +43 316 873-6336, Fax: +43 316 873-6337
e-mail: viktor.kaufmann@tu-graz.ac.at
 

Abstract

The area of interest is located at the border between Chile and Argentina at 27°10' S. latitude and 68°30' W. longitude in the High Cordillera of the Andes and includes the second-highest mountain of America, the Nevado Ojos del Salado. Although the official Chilean altitude is given as 6,880 m, other figures can be found in the literature and various other maps. Situated in a picturesque volcanic terrain rising above the Puna de Atacama, Nevado Ojos del Salado is not only interesting from a geomorphological point of view, it is, e.g., the world´s highest volcano, but also has recently become a much-favored destination of the mountaineering world.
Unfortunately, this area is not covered by  reliable and publicly available maps at scales larger than 1:250,000. Therefore, this paper describes the methods employed in and results obtained from topographic mapping of this remote area using spaceborne as well as airborne remotely sensed data. Exploiting Space Shuttle Earth-viewing photographs, ERS-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar images, and aerial photographs, it was intended to derive orthophotos, digital elevation models, topographic/geomorphological base maps, including various derivatives, such as anaglyphs, stereograms, and axonometric views, respectively, at a minimum of costs.
In order to get a general overview, i.e. to generate  a base map of the area, stereoscopic hand-held photographs from NASA's SSEOP database were used. Parallax-free stereo vision was achieved by means of an analytical plotter. Ground control points were taken from the existing Chilean maps at scales 1:250,000 and 1:500,000 in order to georeference the image content. A digital orthophoto and a topographic base map at 1:400,000 are presented.
Furthermore, two overlapping same-side ERS-1 SAR images from adjacent descending orbits were acquired and provided in digital format by the European Space Agency. In a first step, the image data was radiometrically enhanced, and proper radar stereograms were generated for image interpretation purposes. This is followed by a brief discussion of recently developed mapping methods for radar images.
In order to facilitate large-scale mapping a strip of panchromatic aerial photographs at 1:30,000 scale, provided by the Instituto Geografico Militar de Chile, was photogrammetrically oriented using ground control points measured in one of the Shuttle stereopairs at 1:840,000 scale. As a result, a topographic map at 1:15,000 scale and a high-resolution digital elevation model of the central part of the Nevado Ojos del Salado were generated. The photographs, given as analog paper prints, were scanned and thereafter digitally rectified and mosaicked to form an orthophoto of the volcano Ojos del Salado. A stereomate of this orthophoto was produced as well. The scope of this work also includes various combined image-line maps.
The presented cartographic products, available either in analog or in digital format, for the first time allow detailed geomorphological mapping of the Nevado Ojos del Saldo and its surroundings and provide a far better means of orientation for mountaineers in this very remote and deserted area in the Andes.

Keywords: Nevado Ojos del Salado, the Andes, topographic mapping, digital orthophoto and stereomate, geomorphology, NASA SSEOP, and ERS-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar.
 

Paper presented at the 3rd International Symposium on High-Mountain Remote Sensing Cartography, November 7 - 12, 1994, Mendoza, Argentina.



INVESTIGATIONS ON THE RETREAT OF TWO SMALL CIRQUE GLACIERS
(GOESSNTIZKEES AND HORNKEES) IN THE AUSTRIAN ALPS, EUROPE

Viktor Kaufmann
Institute of Applied Geodesy
Graz University of Technology
Steyrergasse 30, A-8010 Graz, Austria
Tel.: +43 316 873-6336, Fax: +43 316 873-6337
e-mail: viktor.kaufmann@tu-graz.ac.at

Gerhard Karl Lieb
Institute of GeographyUniversity of Graz
Heinrichstraße 36, A-8010 Graz, Austria
Tel.: +43 316 380-5146, Fax: +43 316 380-9886
 

Abstract

The aim of the study is to show the variations in area, altitude and volume of two neighbouring glaciers since the Little Ice Age advance. The respective glaciers are situated in the Schober group (Hohe Tauern range, Central Alps) between 2500 and 3100 m a.s.l. The reconstruction of the maximum extent in 1850 was possible due to well-preserved moraines, while the other stages were derived from old maps (1872/73, 1928/29) and aerial photographs (1954, 1969, 1974, 1983, 1992 and 1997).
As a result digital maps and high-resolution digital terrain models of all these glacial stages were obtained and numerically evaluated in respect to glacier-characteristic parameters and other hypsographical values.
Furthermore, an orthophoto map at 1:10,000 scale was produced in order to show the present glaciation of 1997.
Summarizing the results it can be said that the two glaciers have lost 51.5 % (Goessnitzkees) and 60.6 % (Hornkees) of their area since 1850, the decrease in volume was 77.5 x 106 m³ and 38.2 x 106 m³, respectively. These values as well as some other data on changes in area and volume according to elevational intervals correspond quite well with results from other glaciers of the Central Alps.

Keywords: Glacier changes, Austrian Alps, photogrammetry and high mountain cartography.
 

Paper presented at the 5th International Symposium on High Mountain Remote Sensing Cartography,
August 24 - 25, 1998, Arcata, California, U.S.A.


DEFORMATION ANALYSIS OF THE DOESEN ROCK GLACIER (AUSTRIA)

Viktor Kaufmann
Institute of Applied Geodesy
Graz University of Technology
Steyrergasse 30, A-8010 Graz, Austria
Tel.: +43 316 873-6336, Fax: +43 316 873-6337
e-mail: viktor.kaufmann@tu-graz.ac.at
 

Abstract

In the framework of a multidisciplinary research project on high-mountain permafrost in the Austrian Alps a comprehensive deformation analysis of the active Doesen rock glacier (Hohe Tauern range) has been carried out using various geodetic and photogrammetric methods. In 1995 a monitoring program was established in order to obtain geomorphometric parameters of the Doesen rock glacier for the past, present and future. Precise geodetic measurements within an observation network are acquired on a regular basis applying classical and also navigation satellite-based methods. Aerial photographs (1954, 1969, 1975, 1983 and 1993) were photogrammetrically evaluated. The flow vectors reveal that the horizontal velocity observed in the center of the rock glacier has decreased from 29 cm/yr (1954-1975) to 17 cm/yr (1975-1993), whereas recent measurements (1995-1996) indicate a significant increase in flow velocity (29 cm/yr). Furthermore, this analysis also includes an evaluation of volumetric changes of the Doesen rock glacier.
 

Paper presented at the 7th International Conference on Permafrost, 23 - 27 June 1998, Yellowknife, NWT, Canada.


Gössnitz- und Hornkees. Die Entwicklung zweier Kargletscher der Schobergruppe (Nationalpark Hohe Tauern, Kärnten) seit dem Hochstand von 1850

 Endbericht zum Forschungsprojekt des Kärntner Nationalparkfonds - Kurzfassung

Ao.Univ.Prof. Mag. Dr. Gerhard Karl Lieb (Projektleiter)
Institut für Geographie
Universität Graz
Heinrichstraße 36
A-8010 Graz
Tel.: +43 316 380-5146
Fax: + 43 316 380-9886
e-mail: gerhard.lieb@kfunigraz.ac.at

1. Kurzpräsentation des Projektes

Dieses Projekt wurde in den Jahren 1996 bis 1998 unter meiner Leitung am Institut für Geographie der Universität Graz und am Institut für Angewandte Geodäsie, Abteilung für Photogrammetrie und Fernerkundung, der Technischen Universität Graz (Koordination: Viktor KAUFMANN) durchgeführt. Es war damit als interdisziplinäres Vorhaben konzipiert und zielte auf eine möglichst exakte und detaillierte Rekonstruktion der Entwicklung der beiden gegenständlichen Gletscher ab. In einem ersten Schritt wurde die topographische Situation im hinteren Gössnitztal durch eine Orthophotokarte (Luftbildkarte Gössnitz- und Hornkees 1:10.000) dokumentiert, die von V. KAUFMANN 1998 auf der Basis von Luftbildern des Jahres 1997 hergestellt wurde. Der nächste Schritt umfasste die Rekonstruktion von 8 weiteren Gletscherständen aus Geländebefunden (1850), historischen Karten (1873, 1929) und Luftbildern (1954, 1969, 1974, 1983, 1992) und die computergestützte Weiterbearbeitung des daraus gewonnenen Datensatzes in Hinblick auf die zeitliche Änderung der Größenparameter der Gletscher, insbesondere der Flächen und der Volumina. Schließlich wurden auch noch die Ergebnisse der seit 1982 alljährlich durchgeführten Gletschermessungen einbezogen und die landschaftlichen Veränderungen im Bereich der zurück weichenden Gletscherränder und ihrer Umgebung analysiert.

Das Projekt steht hierdurch in Zusammenhang mit der klimabezogenen Umweltforschung im Hochgebirge und bietet am Beispiel zweier kleiner Gletscher exakte Informationen über den Gletscherschwund seit der Mitte des 19.Jahrhunderts, dem letzten bedeutenden Hochstand der Alpengletscher. Durch die Klimaänderung, namentlich auf Grund einer signifikanten Erwärmung um im Mittel etwa 1°C, haben sich die Gletscher seit damals bedeutend verkleinert, was sich auch in markanten Veränderungen des Landschaftsbildes und der Umweltdynamik des Hochgebirgsraumes niederschlägt. Zu dessen Beurteilung und Quantifizierung wird durch die Projektergebnisse eine Fülle an Daten zur Verfügung gestellt. Darüber hinaus wurde auf technischer Seite ein umfangreicher Methodenvorrat zur effizienteren Analyse der raum-zeitlichen Veränderung von Gletschern (und anderen dynamischen Elementen der Hochgebirgsnatur, z.B. Blockgletschern) mit konsequent digitaler Ausführung aller Arbeitsschritte geschaffen.

2. Die wichtigsten Kenndaten der Gletscher im Überblick

Die folgende Übersichtstabelle zeigt eine Auswahl wichtiger Größenangaben zu den beiden untersuchten Gletschern in ihrem zeitlichen Wandel. Die Flächenangaben sind dabei Gesamtflächen des jeweiligen Gletschers, ihre Abnahme von Termin zu Termin zeichnet ein klares Bild vom Gletscherschwund seit der Mitte des 19.Jahrhunderts: 1997 bedeckte das Gössnitzkees nur noch 48,5 % und das Hornkees 39,4 % seiner Fläche von 1850. Auch die Höhenlage der Gletscherstirn, das ist der jeweils tiefste Punkt des Gletschers, illustriert den Rückgang der Vergletscherung dadurch, dass die Gletscherstirnen in zunehmend größeren Höhen zu liegen kamen und somit ein – im Falle des Hornkeeses fast 200 m umfassendes – Höhenstockwerk eisfrei wurde. Bei den Volumenangaben schließlich können nur Eisverluste zwischen den einzelnen Terminen, nicht jedoch die jeweiligen Gesamtvolumina angegeben werden, weil die gegenwärtigen Eismächtigkeiten nicht bekannt sind (diese könnten sich über noch nicht durchgeführte geophysikalische Messungen feststellen lassen). Umgerechnet in Wasserwert beträgt der gesamte Volumenverlust der beiden Gletscher im Zeitraum von 1850 bis 1997 104,1 Millionen m3, womit beispielsweise der Ossiachersee (Kärnten) etwa zur Hälfte gefüllt werden könnte.

Kenndaten von Gössnitz- und Hornkees 1850 - 1997
Jahr
Gössnitzkees
Fläche
Gössnitzkees
Stirnhöhe
Gössnitzkees
Volumenänderung
Hornkees
Fläche
Hornkees
Stirnhöhe
Hornkees
Volumenänderung
1850
155,55
2461
.
91,63
2402
.
1873
146,09
2481
-11,98
84,42
2433
-7,80
1929
132,28
2484
-17,08
70,50
2544
-12,63
1954
97,27
2499
-30,65
43,93
2577
-12,49
1969
93,26
2507
-3,09
42,23
2593
-0,40
1974
89,90
2508
-2,49
41,71
2594
-0,36
1983
90,14
2511
+0,55
41,28
2597
+0,87
1992
78,28
2512
-8,83
.
2598
.
1997
75,42
2512
-3,93
36,08
2598
-5,35
(1983/97)
Anmerkungen: Alle Flächenangaben in ha, Stirnhöhen (=Höhenlage der Gletscherstirn) in m, Volumenänderungen in Millionen Kubikmeter Eis gegenüber dem jeweils voraus gegangenen Gletscherstand (ausgenommen Hornkees 1997).

3. Grundzüge des Vergletscherungsganges

Um die Mitte des 19.Jahrhunderts hatten Gössnitz- und Hornkees wie fast alle anderen Gletscher der Alpen zum letzten Mal jene Maximalausdehnung, die sie im Laufe der Nacheiszeit (Postglazial oder Holozän) rund zehn Mal erreichten. Wie die im Projekt erhobenen Daten zeigen, setzte der Gletscherrückgang recht rasch ein, so dass beim nächsten dokumentierten Gletscherstand 1873 das Gössnitzkees nur mehr 93,9 % und das Hornkees 92,1 % seiner Fläche von 1850 besaßen. Bedauerlicherweise ist das Zeitintervall zum nächst folgenden rekonstruierbaren Stand 1929 mit 56 Jahren außerordentlich lange. Die mittleren jährlichen Flächen- und Volumenverluste sind jedoch an beiden Gletschern deutlich geringer als in den Perioden davor und danach und lassen somit erahnen, dass innerhalb der Zeitspanne 1873-1929 auch eine Vorstoßphase mit dem Höhepunkt um etwa 1920 eingelagert war. Leider ließ sich diese aus nur vereinzelten Moränenstücken nicht hinreichend genau rekonstruieren, weshalb an den beiden Gletschern keine quantitativen Angaben zu dieser alpenweit nachgewiesenen Vorstoßperiode gemacht werden können (obwohl kein Zweifel besteht, dass ssie auch die beiden gegenständlichen Gletscher erfasste).

Der Zeitraum 1929-1954 brachte an beiden Gletschern den bisherigen Höhepunkt des Gletscherschwundes. Das Gössnitzkees verlor in dieser Periode im Mittel eine Fläche von 1,40 ha und ein Volumen von 1,23 Millionen m3 jährlich, für das Hornkees lauten dieselben Werte 1,06 ha und 0,50 Millionen m3. Diese Angaben stehen in guter Übereinstimmung mit dem alpenweit beobachtbaren sehr gletscherabträglichen Witterungscharakter der Jahre um die Mitte des 20.Jahrhunderts.

Bereits in der folgenden Periode 1954-1969 erscheint der Gletscherrückgang deutlich gebremst, was mit den Beginn der Vorstoßperiode „von 1965 bis 1980" in Zusammenhang steht. Diese ist durch die 3 Stände 1969, 1974 und 1983 recht gut dokumentiert, erweist sich in ihren Auswirkungen an den beiden untersuchten Gletschern aber als außerordentlich schwach. Allein zwischen 1974 und 1983 wird durch leicht positive Volumenänderungen (die im Falle des Gössnitzkeeses ebenso wie die dort zu beobachtende geringfügige Flächenvergrößerung statistisch gar nicht signifikant sind) stationäres Gletscherverhalten angedeutet. Mit den jährlichen Gletschermessungen konnte am Hornkees von 1983 auf 1984 auch noch ein ganz schwacher Gletschervorstoß nachgewiesen werden, der an diesem Gletscher auch einen etwa 1-2 m mächtigen Moränenwall hinterließ (ohne dass der Gletscher hierdurch aber den Stand des Jahres 1974 wieder erreicht hätte). Die genannte Vorstoßperiode verdient an Gössnitz- und Hornkees diese Bezeichnung also nicht wirklich, war aber doch unverkennbar ein Zeitraum verzögerten oder zwischenzeitlich fehlenden Gletscherrückganges.

Seit den frühen 80er-Jahren des 20. Jahrhunderts hat sich der Gletscherrückgang als Folge einer fast ununterbrochenen Serie warmer Jahre mit meist niederschlagsarmen Wintern und nur seltenen sommerlichen Kaltlufteinbrüchen wieder stark intensiviert. Dies wird beispielsweise durch den hohen jährlichen Volumenverlust von 0,98 Millionen m3 am Gössnitzkees zwischen 1983 und 1992 (Mittel 1850-1997: 0,53 Millionen m3) verdeutlicht. Der Rückgang wird seit 1982 auch durch die jährlichen Gletschermessungen (im Rahmen des Gletscher-Messdienstes des Österreichischen Alpenvereins) in hoher zeitlicher Trennschärfe dokumentiert. Die Ergebnisse dieser Arbeiten können in laufend aktualisierter Form über das Internet auf der Homepage des Instituts für Geographie der Universität Graz unter http://www.kfunigraz.ac.at/geowww/klima/gletscher.html abgefragt werden. Alle Anzeichen, sowohl die Extrapolation der vorliegenden Daten als auch das Erscheinungsbild der Gletscher in der Landschaft, sprechen für ein Fortdauern des massiven Gletscherschwundes zumindest in den nächsten Jahren.

Im Projekt wurde auch die Entstehung eines neuen Sees durch den Rückzug des Gössnitzkeeses bearbeitet. Hierbei handelt es sich um ein markantes Beispiel für die landschaftlichen Veränderungen, die sich auf Grund des Gletscherschwundes überall im Hochgebirge einstellen. Der gegenständliche See („Eissee") etwa entwickelte sich seit 1986 und hatte im September 1996 bereits eine Fläche über 6000 m2 (siehe auch unter der oben angeführten Internet-Adresse), wobei die maximalen Flächenzuwächse von jeweils mehr als 1000 m2 von 1987 auf 1988 und von 1993 auf 1994 zu verzeichnen waren. Diese Veränderungen im Landschaftsbild verdienen ebenso wie die den Gletschern benachbarten und vom Gletscherschwund betroffenen Phänomene (besonders Permafrost und Erscheinungen der Hanginstabilität) in Zukunft verstärkte Beachtung. Die hier vorgestellten Ergebnisse liefern in diesem Sinne mit eine Grundlage für ein umfassendes Monitoring der im Klimawandel begründeten Veränderungen in der hochalpinen Umwelt.
 


ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY ON A BADLAND AREA IN SOUTHERN ITALY

Viktor Kaufmann
Institute of Applied Geodesy
Graz University of Technology
Steyrergasse 30, A-8010 Graz, Austria
Tel.: +43 316 873-6336, Fax: +43 316 873-6337
e-mail: viktor.kaufmann@tu-graz.ac.at

Gerhard K. Lieb
Institute of Geography
University of Graz
Heinrichstrasse 36, A-8010 Graz, Austria
Tel.: +43 316 380-5146, Fax: +43 316 380-9886
e-mail: gerhard.lieb@kfunigraz.ac.at
 

Abstract

The Sant’ Arcangelo basin is part of the catchment area of the Agri river and belongs to the Basilicata region in Southern Italy. It consists of conglomerates, sands, and clays of Plio-Pleistocene age. In this zone one of the most widespread badland area of Europe has developed due to unfavourable natural conditions, such as recent tectonic activity, and the semi-arid climate with frequent events of heavy precipitation. Furthermore, the degradation of vegetation and soil has been triggered by strong human impact (excessive land utilisation). The region is a good example of the high effectiveness of actual morphodynamics directed by the climate. It also represents the natural problems of this economically underdeveloped part of Italy ("Mezzogiorno"). In the framework of this study two thematic maps were produced and printed, i.e. a Geomorphological Base Map and a Geomorphological Study Map at scales of 1:50,000 and 1:10,000, respectively. The 1:50,000-scale map is an image map based on a high-resolution space image acquired by a Russian KVR-1000 photographic system in 1990. This image is unique because due to the very low sun elevation at the time of acquisition the characteristic badland morphology, consisting of earth cones, is distinctly brought into relief by the illumination of the sun. The second map shows a subset of the first one superimposed with cartographic elements, e.g. signatures for earth cones and piping gullies, derived from large-scale aerial photographs dating from 1976. This paper describes the environmental setting and also the changes thereof observed in the study area derived from interpretation of both satellite image maps, extensive field studies and analysis of other collateral information.
 

Paper presented at the 16th EARSeL Symposium, Malta, 1996.


STEREO-RADARGRAMMETRIC EVALUATION OF ERS-1 SAR IMAGES:
A CASE STUDY IN SOUTHERN ITALY
 

V. Kaufmann (1), W. Mattner (1), J. Raggam (2), A. Almer (2), and J. Schnell (2)

(1) Institute of Applied Geodesy
Graz University of Technology
Steyrergasse 30, A-8010 Graz, Austria
Tel.: +43 316 873-6336, Fax: +43 316 873-6337
e-mail: viktor.kaufmann@tu-graz.ac.at

(2) Institute for Digital Image Processing
Joanneum Research Graz
Wastiangasse 6, A-8010 Graz, Austria
e-mail: joanneum@ac.at

Abstract

This paper describes two methods of unconventional mapping using overlapping ERS-1 SAR Precision Images. The first method is a hybrid one using classical ways of photogrammetric mapping based on analog images which have been derived from radiometrically enhanced digital SAR data. Whereas the second method was supposed to semi-automatically derive 3-dimensional topographic information by means of image correlation techniques. A case study was carried out in the badlands of the Sant 'Arcangelo Basin in Southern Italy in order to investigate the potential of ERS-1 SAR image stereopairs, i.e., two overlapping same-side stereopairs from ascending and descending orbits, for topographic/ geomorphometric mapping, especially for obtaining a digital elevation model (DEM). The critical points of the stereo mapping procedure for both methods are highlighted. Furthermore, the overall quality of the derived DEMs has been assessed using an existing high-resolution DEM derived from airborne photographic data and an additional DEM from a panchromatic SPOT-1 stereopair.
Keywords: ERS-1, SAR, radargrammetry, topographic mapping, geomorphometric mapping, stereo image matching.
 

Paper presented at the 2nd ERS-1 Symposium on Space at the Service of our Environment, 11-14 October 1993, Hamburg, Germany.


SOME EXPERIMENTS ON RELIEF MAPPING FROM SPACE USING MICROWAVE AND OPTICAL IMAGEDATA: LOOKING AT THE BADLANDS IN SOUTHERN ITALY

V. Kaufmann and U. Fastner
Institute of Applied Geodesy
Graz University of Technology
Steyrergasse 30, A-8010 Graz, Austria
Tel.: +43 316 873-6336, Fax: +43 316 873-6337
e-mail: viktor.kaufmann@tu-graz.ac.at

Abstract

This paper describes the methods employed in and results obtained from experiments on relief mapping using panchromatic SPOT-1, ERS-1 SAR, and spectrozonal KFA-1000 stereopairs, as well as a single high-resolution KVR-1000 image. The experiments have been carried out in order to investigate the potential of the above-mentioned spaceborne images for geomorphometric mapping. The emphasis is on generating digital elevation models (DEMs) and detecting relief changes.
In principle, two stereo mapping methods have been considered and analyzed: a classical/hybrid method using analogue images with an analytical plotter and a semi-automatic method using digital images and image correlation techniques. Analogue images may be either original ones or may be derived from radiometrically enhanced digital image data exposed on film.
A badland prone area in the Basilicata region, Southern Italy, was chosen as a study area to convey the practical work. As a reference for accuracy analysis large-scale aerial photographs were taken.

Paper presented at the EARSeL Workshop "Topography from Space" arragened in conjunction with the EARSeL 14th Symposium at Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden, 1994  


DOCUMENTATION OF THE RETREAT OF GÖSSNITZKEES AND HORNKEES GLACIERS (HOHE TAUERN RANGE, AUSTRIA) FOR THE TIME PERIOD 1997-2006
BY MEANS OF AERIAL PHOTOGRAMMETRY

V. Kaufmann and R. Ladstädter
Institute of Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry
Graz University of Technology
Steyrergasse 30, A-8010 Graz, Austria
Tel.: +43 316 873-6336, Fax: +43 316 873-6337
e-mail: viktor.kaufmann@tugraz.at

Abstract

Gössnitzkees and Hornkees are two small cirque glaciers (2006: 58.9 and 30.6 ha, respectively) located in the Schober group of the Hohe Tauern range of the Eastern Alps in Austria. The glacier history of both glaciers has already been documented for the time period 1850-1997 based on field evidence, historical maps and aerial photographs. The temporal change in area, surface height, and volume of both glaciers was presented numerically and graphically. In this paper we intend to extend the observation period to the present. Aerial photographs of 2002 and 2006 covering the area of interest were made available by the Tyrolean regional government and the Austrian Federal Office of Metrology and Surveying, Vienna. A digital photogrammetric workflow was applied to the image data provided. Based on these multi-temporal data we computed the volumetric and areal change of both glaciers along with the respective numerical values at elevational intervals of 50 m. The change in surface height and area of both glaciers is shown in thematic maps. The results include a new orthophoto map at 1:10,000 scale representing the glacial stage of 2006 and an estimation of the equilibrium line altitude.

Paper presented at the 6th ICA Mountain Cartography Workshop, 11-15 February 2008, Lenk, Switzerland.


MEASUREMENT OF SURFACE FLOW VELOCITY OF ACTIVE ROCK GLACIERS USING ORTHOPHOTOS OF VIRTUAL GLOBES

V. Kaufmann
Institute of Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry
Graz University of Technology
Steyrergasse 30, A-8010 Graz, Austria
Tel.: +43 316 873-6336, Fax: +43 316 873-6337
e-mail: viktor.kaufmann@tugraz.at

Abstract

In this paper we demonstrate how multi-temporal high-resolution orthophotos taken from virtual globes, such as Google Maps and Microsoft Bing Maps, can be used not only for the detection of active rock glaciers but also for the precise measurement of flow/creep velocities. Our study area covers the central and western part of the Schober Mountains, which belongs to the Hohe Tauern range of the Austrian Alps. The present paper is focused on three active rock glaciers, i.e. Leibnitzkopf, Tschadinhorn, and Ganot, which were identified and examined for the first time based on the above mentioned freely available image data. Two-dimensional flow/creep vector fields were determined using a Matlab-based toolbox developed at our Institute. Methods of both photogrammetry and computer vision were implemented to co-register the multi-temporal orthophotos and to precisely measure motion parallaxes with sub-pixel accuracy. The results obtained were visualized through vector plots, isotachs and computer animations. The accuracy of the displacement vectors was thoroughly checked at stable non-moving regions in the surroundings of the rock glaciers. The paper concludes with a summary of the pros and cons of the workflow outlined.

Keywords: Google Maps, Microsoft Virtual Earth, rock glacier, monitoring, flow/creep velocity, visualization, Hohe Tauern range, Austria.

Paper presented at the 7th ICA Mountain Cartography Workshop, 1-5 September 2010, Borsa, Romania.


Documentation and visualization of the morphodynamics of Hinteres Langtalkar rock glacier (Hohe Tauern range, Austrian Alps) based on aerial photographs (1954-2006) and geodetic measurements (1999-2007)

V. Kaufmann and R. Ladstädter
Institute of Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry
Graz University of Technology
Steyrergasse 30, A-8010 Graz, Austria
Tel.: +43 316 873-6336, Fax: +43 316 873-6337
e-mail: viktor.kaufmann@tugraz.at

Abstract

Hinteres Langtalkar rock glacier (46°59'N, 12°47'E) is located in a glacially shaped cirque situated in the center of the Schober group of the Hohe Tauern range, Austria. This tongue-shaped creep phenomenon of mountain permafrost is approx. 850 m long, 200 to 350 m wide, and stretches vertically between 2455 m and 2725 m altitude. Over the course of time, the snout of the rock glacier has advanced into the uppermost cirque’s lip, which is much steeper than the cirque floor behind, causing disintegration of this part of the rock glacier through active sliding processes (since 1994). Consequently, flow velocities behind the frontal slope have significantly increased because of a lack of counterpressure. Maximum horizontal flow velocities reached 2 to 2.5 m a-1. The prevailing high longitudinal strain rates of up to 20´10-3 a-1 (2002-2006) have triggered surface ruptures and crevasse-like openings. In this paper we present quantitative information on the kinematics and surface deformation of the rock glacier based on the photogrammetric evaluation of multi-temporal aerial photographs (10 different epochs between 1954 and 2006) and annual geodetic measurements (1999-2007). Results obtained from recent investigations are highlighted. Based on the available information, covering a time span of 52 years, we analyze the changing kinematic state of Hinteres Langtalkar rock glacier. Special emphasis is put on the more recent situation of the rock glacier, which is characterized by the rapid development of tension cracks and the accelerated disintegration of the permafrost body. The main findings of this paper are as follows: (1) There is most probably a persistent climatically-induced permafrost melt in the order of a few centimeters per year. (2) Specific topographic situations (e.g. increasing slope inclination) may cause acceleration of flow/creep of a rock glacier, with the implication of possible surface ruptures in case of high strain rates and insufficient internal cohesion. (3) Interannual changes of flow/creep velocities are most probably due to the thermal conditions of the permafrost body, more or less true irrespective of (2). Furthermore, the authors propose to augment the present monitoring program by a high-resolution airborne laser scanning (ALS) mission which should be repeated (at least once) at a time interval of several years depending on the height accuracy to be achieved and the prevailing permafrost melt.

Keywords: permafrost, rock glacier, long-term monitoring, geodetic and photogrammetric survey, flow velocity, geomorphometry, Hinteres Langtalkar rock glacier, Hohe Tauern range, Austria.


Paper presented at the 10th International Symposium on High Mountain Remote Sensing Cartography, 8-11 September 2008, Kathmandu, Nepal.


The Influence of Air Temperature on the Creep Behaviour of Three Rockglaciers in the Hohe Tauern

S. Buck and V. Kaufmann
Institute of Landscape Ecology
Westfälische Wilhelms-University Münster, Germany
e-mail: buck-stefan@web.de

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the link between air temperature and the creep behaviour of three active rockglaciers. These are the Doesen, Hinteres Langtalkar and Weissenkar rockglacier, which are all located in the Hohe Tauern range, Eastern Alps, Austria. The surface motion of the investigated rockglaciers was measured using photogrammetric and geodetic methods. Exact annual displacement rates of at least the last ten years are the basis of this study. A comparison and analysis of the horizontal and vertical displacement rates revealed a rather homogenous and synchronous behaviour of the three rockglaciers despite their different size, morphology, complexity and mean annual velocity. The observed homogeneity led to the assumption that interannual variations are caused by external climatic factors. The horizontal displacement rates show a fairly clear correlation with variations in mean annual air temperature (MAAT) with a delay of about a year caused by their delayed propagation deeper into grounds. However, the vertical displacement rates seem to react quicker to the MAAT. Furthermore, the horizontal displacement rate of the Hinteres Langtalkar rockglacier is exemplary compared to the ice thickness change of the Goessnitzkees, a nearby small debris-covered cirque glacier. The objective is to show similarities between them, as this also indicates the dependency of flow velocities of rockglaciers on air temperature.

Keywords: Hohe Tauern, rockglaciers, creep, horizontal and vertical displacement, interannual variations, MAAT.

Paper presented at the 10th International Symposium on High Mountain Remote Sensing Cartography, 8-11 September 2008, Kathmandu, Nepal.

Quantification and Visualization of Periglacial Surface Deformation in the Inneres Hochebenkar Cirque, Ötztal Alps, Austria

V. Kaufmann
Institute of Geodesy
Graz University of Technology
Steyrergasse 30, A-8010 Graz, Austria
Tel.: +43 316 873-6336, Fax: +43 316 873-6337
e-mail: viktor.kaufmann@tugraz.at

Abstract

Inneres Hochebenkar is a high-mountain cirque (approx. 0.84 km2) located in the Gurgl valley, Ötztal Alps, Tyrol. It holds not only a rock glacier (of the same name) but also a small glacier (Hochebenferner) in its root zone. During the Little Ice Age (last glacial maximum at around 1850) the Inneres Hochebenkar cirque was largely covered by the Hochebenferner glacier, which has now receded to a small remnant (8.3 ha in 2006). The main focus of the present paper is to document the past and also more recent surface change of the periglacial (= non-glaciated) environment of the Inneres Hochebenkar cirque. Remote sensing data, such as time-series of aerial photographs (1953-2010) and airborne laser scanner data (2006, 2010), were used to retrieve quantitative information on surface change, i.e., horizontal movement and/or surface height change. The results obtained are presented graphically (two separately moving rock glacier units connected by a small unit of inactive, but melting permafrost at the lower end of the cirque) and numerically (e.g., maximum mean annual creep velocities of up to 46.7 cm/year for the time period 2003-2010 and maximum surface lowering of -10.8 m for the time period 1953-2006). Special attention is also paid to proper visualization, i.e. computer animations, of areas of presumed surface change using time-series of both high-resolution orthophotos and shaded reliefs.

 

Keywords: permafrost - rock glacier - surface deformation - photogrammetry - Inneres Hochebenkar

Paper presented at the 10th ICA Mountain Cartography Workshop, 26-30 April 2016, Berchtesgaden, Germany.



last update: july 31, 2017
 

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