Buoyancy in debris flows.

Abstract

The magnitude of buoyancy is determined in part by the density contrast between coarse grains and matrix, but also by the pore-pressure increase associated with transfer of the weight of coarse grains as they are supported by matrix strength. Large buoyancy forces, due to heavy loading of the matrix by coarse solids, may be significant in producing the high competence and mobility exhibited by many natural flows. -from Author