Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2570
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2570
22 Aug 2024
 | 22 Aug 2024

AI-Based Tracking of Fast-Moving Alpine Landforms Using High Frequency Monoscopic Time-Lapse Imagery

Hanne Hendrickx, Xabier Blanch, Melanie Elias, Reynald Delaloye, and Anette Eltner

Abstract. Active rock glaciers and landslides are critical indicators of permafrost dynamics in high mountain environments, reflecting the thermal state of permafrost and responding sensitively to climate change. Traditional monitoring methods, such as Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) measurements and permanent installations, face challenges in measuring the rapid movements of these landforms due to environmental constraints and limited spatial coverage. Remote sensing techniques offer improved spatial resolution but often lack the necessary temporal resolution to capture sub-seasonal variations. In this study, we introduce a novel approach utilising monoscopic time-lapse imagery and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for high-temporal-resolution velocity estimation, applied to two subsets of time-lapse datasets capturing a fast-moving landslide and rock glacier at the Grabengufer site (Swiss Alps). Specifically, we employed the Persistent Independent Particle tracking (PIPs++) model for tracking and the AI-based LightGlue matching algorithm to transfer 2D image data into 3D object space and further into 4D velocity data. This methodology was validated against GNSS surveys, demonstrating its capability to provide spatially and temporally detailed velocity information. Our findings highlight the potential of image-driven methodologies to enhance the understanding of dynamic landform processes, revealing spatio-temporal patterns previously unattainable with conventional monitoring techniques. By leveraging existing time-lapse data, our method offers a cost-effective solution for monitoring various geohazards, from rock glaciers to landslides, with implications for enhancing alpine safety and informing climate change impacts on permafrost dynamics. This study marks the pioneering application of AI-based methodologies in environmental monitoring using time-lapse image data, promising advancements in both research and practical applications within geomorphic studies.

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Journal article(s) based on this preprint

08 Aug 2025
AI-based tracking of fast-moving alpine landforms using high-frequency monoscopic time-lapse imagery
Hanne Hendrickx, Melanie Elias, Xabier Blanch, Reynald Delaloye, and Anette Eltner
Earth Surf. Dynam., 13, 705–721, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-13-705-2025,https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-13-705-2025, 2025
Short summary
Hanne Hendrickx, Xabier Blanch, Melanie Elias, Reynald Delaloye, and Anette Eltner

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-2570', Anonymous Referee #1, 01 Oct 2024
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-2570', Anonymous Referee #2, 03 Oct 2024
  • AC1: 'Author Comment', Hanne Hendrickx, 02 Dec 2024

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-2570', Anonymous Referee #1, 01 Oct 2024
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-2570', Anonymous Referee #2, 03 Oct 2024
  • AC1: 'Author Comment', Hanne Hendrickx, 02 Dec 2024

Peer review completion

AR: Author's response | RR: Referee report | ED: Editor decision | EF: Editorial file upload
AR by Hanne Hendrickx on behalf of the Authors (02 Dec 2024)  Author's response   Author's tracked changes   Manuscript 
ED: Referee Nomination & Report Request started (03 Dec 2024) by Giulia Sofia
RR by Anonymous Referee #2 (17 Jan 2025)
RR by Anonymous Referee #1 (26 Mar 2025)
ED: Reconsider after major revisions (26 Mar 2025) by Giulia Sofia
AR by Hanne Hendrickx on behalf of the Authors (24 Apr 2025)  Author's response   Author's tracked changes   Manuscript 
ED: Publish as is (05 May 2025) by Giulia Sofia
ED: Publish subject to technical corrections (11 May 2025) by Wolfgang Schwanghart (Editor)
AR by Hanne Hendrickx on behalf of the Authors (13 May 2025)  Manuscript 

Journal article(s) based on this preprint

08 Aug 2025
AI-based tracking of fast-moving alpine landforms using high-frequency monoscopic time-lapse imagery
Hanne Hendrickx, Melanie Elias, Xabier Blanch, Reynald Delaloye, and Anette Eltner
Earth Surf. Dynam., 13, 705–721, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-13-705-2025,https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-13-705-2025, 2025
Short summary
Hanne Hendrickx, Xabier Blanch, Melanie Elias, Reynald Delaloye, and Anette Eltner

Data sets

Github repository Hanne Hendrickx https://github.com/hannehendrickx/pips_env/tree/main/Data_Sample

Model code and software

Github repository Hanne Hendrickx https://github.com/hannehendrickx/pips_env

Hanne Hendrickx, Xabier Blanch, Melanie Elias, Reynald Delaloye, and Anette Eltner

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Latest update: 08 Aug 2025
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Short summary
This study introduces a novel AI-based method to track and analyse the movement of rock glaciers and landslides, key indicators of permafrost dynamics in high mountain regions. Using time-lapse images, our approach provides detailed velocity data, revealing patterns that traditional methods miss. This cost-effective tool enhances our ability to monitor geohazards, offering insights into climate change impacts on permafrost and improving safety in alpine areas.
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