Leighton Watson

Avalanches present significant hazards in alpine regions.  Traditional monitoring methods, such as visual observations and radar systems, are often constrained by weather conditions, daylight, and high costs. Dr Watson will develop geophysical monitoring methods using seismic signals and infrasound (sound too low-pitched for human hearing) to detect avalanches. In addition, extensive weather and snowpack data will be analysed with machine learning approaches to provide more accurate avalanche forecasting. In generating these novel capabilities, Dr Watson aims to enhance safety and reduce economic impacts in alpine regions.

Ka hangaia e Tākuta Leighton Myles Watson (Ngāi Tahu) o Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha ngā utauta whatutoto mō te kimi me te matapae i ngā horomaunga hukapapa. He tino pūmate nui ngā horomaunga i ngā rohe tairanga. Me kī ka raru ngā tikanga aroturuki taketake, pērā i ngā āta mātakitaki me ngā pūnaha hihiani, i te huarere, i te awatea, me te nui o te utu. Ka hangaia e Tākuta Watson ngā tikanga aroturuki matawhenua mā te whakamahi i ngā tohu rū me te ororaro (ngā oro he pāpaku rawa mō te tangata) hei whakaatu i ngā horomaunga. I tua atu i tērā, ka tātaritia ngā raraunga huarere me te hukapapa matawhānui i te taha o ngā aronga ako ā-mīhini hei whakarato i ngā matapae horomaunga tika ake. I roto i te whakaputa i ēnei āheinga rerekē, ko te whai a Tākuta Watson ko te hāpai i te haumaru me te whakaiti i ngā pānga ōhanga i ngā rohe maunga tiketike.

Dr Leignton Watson during snow avalanche field work in Fiordland (Photo: Brad Carpenter)