Physical geomorphology of debris flows.

Abstract

Debris flows cause millions of dollars of damage each year and the loss of several hundred lives. They are noisy and extremely powerful. Formulae for transporting power, shear strength, etc. are given. The depositional fans built are described. The time between water floods and debris flows is important if engineering response is to be appropriate. Field and sedimentary evidence is explained, and methods of estimating the discharge of sediment-bearing flows are reviewed. The final section discusses the mitigation of debris-flow hazards. -K.Clayton