Cautus Wireless Geophone System

Wireless geophone system for cost-effective avalanche monitoring

Since 2018, Cautus Geo has implemented a Norwegian-developed wireless geophone system in several projects. This system offers:

• Ongoing monitoring of ground vibrations with high-resolution data logging triggered when predefined thresholds are exceeded.
• An exceptionally low-power solution.
• Real-time data processing with advanced screening to eliminate false events through a trigger logic algorithm.
• Wireless radio signals for transmitting avalanche alerts that can activate traffic lights.
• Proven success through installation and testing under real-world conditions in Norway.
• Comprehensive access to all avalanche events via Cautus Web.

Well proven and reliable solution

Avalanche-induced vibrations propagate at the speed of sound over considerable distances and are detected by the geophone system. To ensure accurate avalanche response, these vibrations must be simultaneously recorded by multiple geophones, eliminating the risk of interpreting localized vibrations from other sources as avalanches.

Our system is equipped with two or more geophones linked to a control unit that processes data and issues alarms. Remarkably energy-efficient, this control unit operates on internal batteries supplemented by small solar panels, enabling continuous 24/7 operation, even in installations located north of the Arctic Circle.

Originally tested in 2015, this system is now actively employed by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration for automatic monitoring and early avalanche warnings.

System overview

The avalanche warning system employs a wireless network to transmit signals from sensors on the hillside to a microprocessor located at the top of a mast. This microprocessor, along with a battery and a radio relay station, relays the information to the nearby traffic light controller when a significant avalanche is detected.

Avalanches possess enough energy to generate vibrations across a large area in the rock formation, whereas localized vibrations, such as those caused by heavy rain, wind gusts, or running animals, may only affect a single sensor. The system’s resilience and reliability stem from a combination of signal analysis
from individual sensors and cross-verification from multiple sensors.

When the system detects vibrations over a predefined time period, the traffic lights on the road turn red, and a notification is sent to the road traffic center. Furthermore, all event-related information is accessible on Cautus Web.