Space-Time Ice Monitoring of the Hungarian Lower-Danube

Abstract

In spite of global warming, an unusual combination of hydro-meteorological conditions can still produce serious frosts, and consequently ice floods on the Hungarian reach of the Danube river. Therefore a monitoring system was developed during the last 15 years in the region for a 130 km segment of the Danube. All together five cameras were installed at a 30–40 km interval to achieve optimal observational capabilities along the river. In January 2009 and later in February 2012 two ice events were successfully recorded at the monitoring locations. Primary analysis of the recorded events combined with ice depth measurements, morphological information and hydro-meteorological data showed great potential to derive space-time characteristics of the floating ice. These include ice formation, size composition, motion and rearrangement due to secondary currents and occasional packing or release at places. Repeated measurements have been done to quantify the space-time characteristics of the ice formation and to improve the , monitoring system. There have been several chances for utilization our gained experiences such as characterization of drifting floes, study of the hydrodynamic conditions during icy periods, verification of floe modelling, discharge estimation using LSPIV technique and additionally development of ice forecasting. Last but not least a new ice thickness staff was introduced for the easy and safe measurements of ice floes on rivers.