Research

Forests Slow Avalanches

Steep snow-covered slopes are prone to avalanches.

In snowy mountainous regions, avalanches are a dangerous and destructive problem. Researchers studying the mechanisms of these flows have a suggestion: plant more trees. A group of researchers found that a “forest” of regularly spaced pillars slowed avalanches by as much as two-thirds. On an empty slope, the avalanche picked up speed as its thickness grew. But with regularly-spaced pillars the slower flow rate became almost completely independent of avalanche thickness.

The researchers with their avalanche set-up, which releases glass beads through a forest of pillars.
The researchers with their avalanche set-up, which releases glass beads through a forest of pillars.

For now, the researchers suggest placing trees every 3 meters on steep, avalanche-prone slopes — a technique that, admittedly, only works for slopes below the treeline. In their next round of experiments, the researchers plan to see how a randomly arranged forest affects an avalanche. (Image credit: top – N. Cool, apparatus – Université Paris-Saclay/FAST; research credit: B. Texier et al.; via Physics World)

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