Heilongjiang Provincial Hydrological and Water Resources Center announced on May 1 that as of 11:30 AM on April 30, the main stems of all major rivers in Heilongjiang Province had completely thawed. During this year's ice flood season, the river thawing process remained generally stable across the province, with no ice flood disasters occurring. Behind this success, a "space-age black technology" played a crucial role—synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite remote sensing technology made its debut in monitoring ice conditions in Heilongjiang, accelerating the transition from traditional manual ice flood prevention to intelligent prevention.
During the ice flood season, Heilongjiang Provincial Hydrological and Water Resources Center introduced SAR satellite remote sensing technology for ice monitoring, conducting full spatiotemporal scans daily across 15 key river sections prone to ice floods. Unlike traditional optical satellites that rely on clear weather, SAR satellites actively emit microwave signals and receive echoes, penetrating clouds and operating unaffected by darkness, rain, snow, or haze. Combined with AI-powered ice monitoring algorithms, the system accurately extracts ice condition information, overcoming the spatial and temporal limitations of manual observation, which often lacks comprehensiveness and range.
From space to the ground, a multidimensional ice condition monitoring network has been established. In addition to satellite remote sensing, the province fully utilized an integrated video surveillance system to conduct 24/7 dynamic monitoring of key sections of major rivers. The Greater Khingan Range branch increased the deployment of seven automatic water level reporting devices, providing sensitive "underwater sensors" for critical ice flood prevention areas. The Jiamusi branch innovated a social coordination mechanism, engaging riverside residents and short-video live stream enthusiasts to fill monitoring gaps in remote and hidden river sections with "public eyes."
To fundamentally understand the mechanisms of ice evolution, Heilongjiang Provincial Hydrological and Water Resources Center led a major scientific project commissioned by the Ministry of Water Resources, titled "Research on the Evolution Mechanisms and Forecasting System Development for Ice Formation and Dissipation in the Upper Reaches of the Heilongjiang River." The project delves into the internal logic of ice formation, dissipation, movement, and jamming, laying a scientific foundation for accurate forecasting.
Based on systematic understanding of ice patterns, a more precise data-driven forecasting system was constructed. The province conducted long-term hydrological forecast consultations and collaborated with the Songliao Water Resources Commission Hydrological Bureau for cross-regional joint assessments, scientifically predicting the thawing sequence and ice flood risks for each river section. The forecast error for thawing dates was controlled within zero to two days. During the ice flood season, two hydrological forecasts and 28 hydrological briefings were issued promptly, shifting the focus from passive response to active early warning.
The value of technology is ultimately reflected in actions safeguarding stability. Accurate hydrological forecasts provided reliable technical support for proactive ice-breaking operations covering 21.35 kilometers in counties and cities such as Mohe, Tahe, and Huma, effectively reducing the risks of ice jams and ice dam breaches, thereby ensuring the safety of lives and property along the rivers.
From comprehensive spatiotemporal perception to in-depth understanding, from precise forecasting to efficient action, Heilongjiang's hydrological efforts are leveraging technology to integrate the entire ice flood prevention chain, using data and wisdom to protect the tranquility of its rivers.
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