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Avalanche researchers discover new stability secrets in the snow!
Researchers at the University of Konstanz are investigating the loss of stability of snow and its physical properties - results for materials science and climate research.
Avalanche researchers discover new stability secrets in the snow!
On March 9, 2025, a research team from the University of Konstanz led by Matthias Fuchs, Florian Vogel and Philipp Baumgärtel published new findings about the stability of snow amounts and their behavior under certain conditions. The focus is on studying the physical properties of avalanches and other disordered materials. This research is particularly relevant for the production of novel materials with improved properties, especially in granular systems and foams, such as uni-konstanz.de reported.
The researchers use innovative methods, such as the “Euclidean random matrix” (ERM) model, to analyze when and how disordered solids lose their stability and start moving. The analogy they draw here illustrates the molecular structure of a solid with a box full of building blocks, with stability determined by the orderly or disorderly arrangement of the blocks. The scientists were able to achieve interesting results through targeted vibrations in the particle system, without influencing gravity.
Findings on loss of stability and experiments
The loss of stability occurs particularly when the vibrations generated reach a low frequency that is close to zero. At this point, the speed of sound disappears and the particles move in clusters without returning to their original position. These observations are independent of temperature changes; even extreme cold has no influence on stability.
Exciting experiments are already planned for the future on the International Space Station (ISS) under weightless conditions. These are to be carried out as part of the GraSCha project in autumn 2025 and could open up new dimensions in research on snow behavior.
Substances and dangers of avalanches
In the context of current research, it is important to also consider the different types of avalanches that form depending on weather conditions and snow cover. my-learning.at describes five main types:
- Schneebrettlawine: Entsteht durch Abrutschen einer Schneeschicht auf einer Schwachschicht, oft durch Wintersportler ausgelöst. Geschwindigkeiten bis zu 150 km/h sind möglich.
- Lockerschneelawine: Breitet sich fächerförmig aus und ist meist langsamer. Sie verursacht weniger als 10 % der Lawinenunfälle.
- Gleitschneelawine: Die gesamte Schneedecke rutscht ab, vor allem in den Frühlingsmonaten.
- Staublawine: Entsteht aus großen Schneebrettlawinen und kann Geschwindigkeiten bis zu 300 km/h erreichen.
- Nassschneelawine: Durchfeuchtung der Schneedecke durch Regen oder Erwärmung, sehr gefährlich und häufig in den Nachmittagsstunden im Frühling.
The study of these types of avalanches is closely linked to research on the stability of snow quantities. Loud slf.ch The research unit deals intensively with the physical properties of snow and the exchange processes between the ground and the atmosphere. The aim is to understand Alpine natural hazards and the interactions between the cryosphere and climate change.
In summary, it can be said that the findings from research at the University of Konstanz not only provide deeper insights into the stability of materials, but can also provide relevant information for the prevention and management of natural hazards such as avalanches.