The Boom Gorge, with its unique orographic features and geological structure, is prone to powerful mudflows as a result of intense precipitation. These mudflows often drain from side valleys onto railroads and roads, posing significant infrastructure and public safety risks. Given the context of climate change, obtaining accurate and reliable local environmental and meteorological data is becoming increasingly important.
To achieve this goal, the Internet Society Kyrgyzstan Chapter, the Abdus Salam International Institute of Theoretical Physics, in collaboration with the Ministry of Emergency Situations, is carrying out an innovative research project. The project is aimed at testing data transmission using the LoRaWAN protocol in areas prone to hazardous natural processes and limited cellular communications. As part of this research project, two automatic weather stations are being installed in the Boom Gorge and additional sensors are being installed at key locations: Kyz-Kuye and Kok-Moinok, which mark the entry and exit points of the gorge, respectively.
The main objective of the research project at these pilot sites is to monitor and evaluate key meteorological parameters including, but not limited to, precipitation, temperature, moisture and soil temperature. Thus, we seek to better understand the influence of these parameters on the formation of mudflows in the Boom Gorge.
The installation of automatic weather stations and additional sensors will significantly increase the accuracy and systematic assessment of meteorological parameters such as temperature, humidity, pressure and precipitation. Using LoRaWAN data protocol technology, we will provide continuous monitoring of weather parameters, which will allow us to provide more accurate and up-to-date data, reducing connection operating costs. This valuable information will serve as the basis for making informed decisions about mudflow risks and mitigation strategies.
In addition, the placement of local weather stations and sensors will make it possible to carry out comprehensive studies of the influence of meteorological parameters on the processes of mudflow formation. In the future, this study will allow the Department for Monitoring and Forecasting Natural Disasters of the Ministry of Emergency Situations to determine the threshold values necessary to build a high-quality temporal forecast of mudflow events in the Boom Gorge.
Using advances in technology and scientific research, we aim to deepen our understanding of mudflow dynamics and develop effective measures to minimize their adverse impacts on infrastructure and people’s lives. ISOC Kyrgyz Chapter and The Department of Monitoring, Disaster Forecasting are proud to contribute to this vital research project, contributing to a safer and more sustainable future for the region.
In addition to creating meteorological projects, the project includes the installation of Lorawan-enabled sensors in other pilot sites, such as the Tatyr landslide, the Baytik (Baitik) weather station, the Ala-Archa hydropost, as well as the high-altitude glacial lake Adygene.
This project is funded by the Internet Society Foundation’s research grant program. The project is being implemented by the Internet Society Kyrgyz Chapter Public Association, the Abdus Salam International Center for Theoretical Physics.
