InclinoNet: A distributed inclinometer network to measure rotational ground surface kinematics

Project description

Environmental sensing in the mountain cryosphere typically relies on expensive instruments that offer either spatially extensive remote-sensing measurements with intermittent temporal coverage, or time-continuous in-situ measurements with limited spatial coverage. Networked sensing systems offer a promising alternative sensing paradigm that escapes these measurement coverage trade-offs. Recent advances in low-power, low-cost MEMS sensing technology now allow for the large-scale deployment of autonomous sensor nodes that are wirelessly connected, enabling continuous data acquisition, remote data access, and system health monitoring—all with multi-year battery lifespans and minimal need for field interventions in harsh alpine environments.

Within the InclinoNet project (2025–2026), a branch of the PermaSense project, we develop, test, and deploy a networked cluster of MEMS-based inclinometers on the Äußeres Hochebenkar rock glacier (Ötztal Alps, Austria). This system, designed for long-term, battery-powered operation, enables continuous, year-round monitoring of individual boulder rotations, also during snow-rich periods when remote sensing becomes blind to ground deformation. A dual-processor platform (DPP) separates sensing and communication tasks across two dedicated microprocessors linked via the stateful BOLT interface, enabling asynchronous operation and optimized energy use. The sensing nodes communicate within a local wireless network using the GLOSSY protocol and the eLWB shared-bus abstraction, ensuring network-wide time synchronization and robust, self-healing connectivity through broadcast flooding. Data is relayed via LoRa radio to an Internet gateway across the valley.

Capturing the so-far mostly ignored rotational deformation component with an inclinometer network enhances our understanding of the thermo-hydro-mechanical behavior of mountain permafrost landforms under climate change and lay the groundwork for novel future applications in terrain instability detection and early warning systems.

Project InclinoNet is funded by an Early Stage Funding grant by the Vice-Rectorate for Research, University of Innsbruck.

Project members

Dominik Amschwand, Noah Hurmer, Lukas Kirchmair, Jan Beutel

Outreach and related publications

 

 

Nach oben scrollen