Inertial measurement units (IMUs) are mobile sensors assemblies constructed using a combination of MEMS (micro electrical mechanical systems) accelerometers, gyroscopes and magnetometers. Both the technology and its applications to geomorphic problems are developing rapidly, since they demonstrate the prospect of monitoring individual sediment grains, of various sizes, during transport and at high frequency. This prospect has numerous implications which range from hazard identification and warning to complex theoretical derivations for sediment transport modelling. At the same time, the deployment of IMUs needs to be underpinned by a number of technical considerations regarding the limitations of the technology and the physics of the inertial measurements. IMU measurements should be reported in a manner that allows for clear understanding of the scope of the study, with sufficient detail for repeatability and clear error characterization. At a secondary level, IMU measurements should be linked clearly with the physics of sediment motion. Here the author highlights five technical issues which can lead to the misinterpretation of IMU measurements. His scope is to begin a dialogue towards a collective agreement on a presentation/reporting protocol for IMU measurements in geomorphic studies that will allow for the coherent contextualization of the technology and accelerate its scientific impact within geosciences.

中文翻译：

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IMU（惯性测量单元）传感器在地貌学中的应用

惯性测量单元 (IMU) 是使用 MEMS（微机电系统）加速度计、陀螺仪和磁力计组合构建的移动传感器组件。该技术及其在地貌问题中的应用正在迅速发展，因为它们展示了在运输过程中以高频率监测各种大小的单个沉积物颗粒的前景。这一前景具有许多影响，从危险识别和警告到沉积物运输模型的复杂理论推导。同时，IMU 的部署需要基于技术限制和惯性测量物理的一些技术考虑。IMU 测量值的报告方式应允许清楚地了解研究范围，并提供足够的可重复性和清晰的误差表征细节。在二级层面，IMU 测量应与沉积物运动的物理学明确联系起来。在这里，作者重点介绍了可能导致对 IMU 测量的误解的五个技术问题。他的职责是开始对话，就地貌研究中 IMU 测量的演示/报告协议达成集体协议，这将允许技术的连贯背景化并加速其在地球科学中的科学影响。在这里，作者重点介绍了可能导致对 IMU 测量的误解的五个技术问题。他的职责是开始对话，就地貌研究中 IMU 测量的演示/报告协议达成集体协议，这将允许技术的连贯背景化并加速其在地球科学中的科学影响。在这里，作者重点介绍了可能导致对 IMU 测量的误解的五个技术问题。他的职责是开始对话，就地貌研究中 IMU 测量的演示/报告协议达成集体协议，这将允许技术的连贯背景化并加速其在地球科学中的科学影响。