Arid Zone Research ›› 2024, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (2): 220-229.doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2024.02.05

• Weather and Climate • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Spatial distribution and factor analysis of avalanche in the Aerxiangou section of the Duku expressway

CHENG Qiulian1,2(), LIU Jie1,2(), YANG Zhiwei2, ZHANG Tianyi1,2, WANG Bin2   

  1. 1. School of Transportation and Logistics Engineering, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, Xinjiang, China
    2. Xinjiang Transportation Planning Survey and Design Institute Co. Ltd., Technology Research and Development Center, Urumqi 830006, Xinjiang, China
  • Received:2023-06-27 Revised:2023-10-16 Online:2024-02-15 Published:2024-03-11

Abstract:

The proposed Aerxiangou section of the Duku expressway, characterized by high mountainous terrain and canyons, faces frequent avalanches due to heavy snowfall and climate change. In this study, a collaborative investigation using UAV remote sensing interpretation and field research identified 92 avalanche points. In addition, elevation, slope, surface cutting degree, ground roughness, maximum snow depth, maximum wind speed, average temperature, and average snowfall were selected as driving factors. A geographical detector was used to examine the relationship between terrain factors, different resolutions, and avalanche stability. The results of this study revealed strong avalanche activity with generally poor stability in the study area. However, it was reassuring to note that most avalanche release and activity areas are located on mountain slopes. The accumulation area lies on the valley floor, a considerable distance away from the planned road route, thus minimizing its impact. Results from the geographical detector analysis suggest positive correlations between interpretations of slope and ground roughness with snow avalanche stability across varying resolutions. The interactive detection results are both double-factor enhancement and nonlinear enhancement, with the latter being more significant than the former. The combination of slope and other factors is crucial for determining the impact of avalanche stability. This study offers reliable data support for assessing avalanche vulnerability and risks, thereby establishing a solid scientific basis for constructing and operating the Duku expressway.

Key words: Aerxiangou, avalanche, geographical detector, driving factors, spatial distribution