Mechanics of debris flows and rock avalanches: Chapter 43
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Abstract
Debris flows are geophysical phenomena intermediate in character between rock avalanches and flash floods. They commonly originate as water-laden landslides on steep slopes and transform into liquefied masses of fragmented rock, muddy water, and entrained organic matter that disgorge from canyons onto valley floors. Typically including 50%–70% solid grains by volume, attaining speeds >10 m/s, and ranging in size up to ∼109 m3, debris flows can denude mountainsides, inundate floodplains, and devastate people and property (Figure 43.1). Notable recent debris-flow disasters resulted in more than 20,000 fatalities in Armero, Colombia, in 1985 and in Vargas state, Venezuela, in 1999.
Suggested Citation
Iverson, R.M., 2012, Mechanics of debris flows and rock avalanches: Chapter 43, chap. of Handbook of environmental fluid dynamics, Volume One, p. 573-587, https://doi.org/10.1201/b14241-47.
| Publication type | Book chapter |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Book Chapter |
| Title | Mechanics of debris flows and rock avalanches: Chapter 43 |
| ISBN | 9781439816707 |
| DOI | 10.1201/b14241-47 |
| Year Published | 2012 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | CRC Press |
| Contributing office(s) | Volcano Science Center |
| Description | 15 p. |
| Larger Work Type | Book |
| Larger Work Title | Handbook of environmental fluid dynamics, Volume One |
| First page | 573 |
| Last page | 587 |