Surficial patterns of debris flow deposition on alluvial fans in Death Valley, CA using airborne laser swath mapping data

Debris flows are a common event in mountainous environments. They often possess the greatest potential for destruction of property and loss of lives in these regions. Delimiting the spatial extent of potential damage from debris flows relies on detailed studies of the location of depositional zones. Current research indicates debris flow fans have two distinct depositional zones. However, the two zones were derived from studies containing detailed analyses of only a few fans. High resolution airborne laser swath mapping (ALSM) data is used to calculate profile curvature and surface gradient on 19 debris flow fans on the eastern side of Death Valley. The relationship between these parameters is assessed to 1) identify if debris flow fans are accurately represented by two depositional zones, and 2) to assess how these terrain parameters relate to one another at the individual fan scale. The results show at least three zones of deposition exist within the sampled fans. These zones do not hold consistent when individual fan morphometry is analyzed in conjunction with localized fan surface gradients. Fans with consistently shallower gradients exhibit numerous depositional zones with more subtle changes in profile curvature. Steeper gradient fans exhibit significantly fewer zones with more pronounced local changes in profile curvature. The surface complexity of debris flow fans is evident from these analyses and must be accounted for in any type of hazard studies related to these features.     

Simulation of event-based landslides and debris flows at watershed level

A coupled model has been developed to simulate, at watershed level, landslides and debris flows induced by a severe typhoon (tropical cyclone) in Taiwan. The model comprises a landslide susceptibility model to predict landslide occurrence, an empirical model to select debris-flow initiation points, and a debris flow model to simulate the transport and deposit of failed materials from the identified source areas. In raster format with a 10 m spatial resolution, the model output includes unstable cells, debris-flow initiation cells, debris-flow velocities, runout paths, and deposition zones. The model was first tested and calibrated in a small area, where the damage by landslides had been investigated and recorded. It was then applied to a watershed, and the simulation results were validated by comparing them with a landslide/debris-flow inventory map prepared from satellite images using a multiple change detection technique. Model test and validation results confirm the usefulness of the model in predicting the number and size of affected areas (landslides and runouts combined), runout path, and volume of runout deposits. It is a common practice in Taiwan to separate landslide and debris-flow inventories and to study debris flows only in select drainage basins. This study suggests that landslide and debris flow should be modeled as a sequential process for efficient watershed management.     

The morphometric and stratigraphic framework for estimates of debris flow incidence in the North Cascades foothills, Washington State, USA

Active debris flow fans in the North Cascade Foothills of Washington State constitute a natural hazard of importance to land managers, private property owners and personal security. In the absence of measurements of the sediment fluxes involved in debris flow events, a morphological-evolutionary systems approach, emphasizing stratigraphy, dating, fan morphology and debris flow basin morphometry, was used. Using the stratigraphic framework and 47 radiocarbon dates, frequency of occurrence and relative magnitudes of debris flow events have been estimated for three spatial scales of debris flow systems: the within-fan site scale (84 observations); the fan meso-scale (six observations) and the lumped fan, regional or macro-scale (one fan average and adjacent lake sediments). In order to characterize the morphometric framework, plots of basin area v. fan area, basin area v. fan gradient and the Melton ruggedness number v. fan gradient for the 12 debris flow basins were compared with those documented for semi-arid and paraglacial fans. Basin area to fan area ratios were generally consistent with the estimated level of debris flow activity during the Holocene as reported below. Terrain analysis of three of the most active debris flow basins revealed the variety of modes of slope failure and sediment production in the region.Micro-scale debris flow event systems indicated a range of recurrence intervals for large debris flows from 106−3645 years. The spatial variation of these rates across the fans was generally consistent with previously mapped hazard zones. At the fan meso-scale, the range of recurrence intervals for large debris flows was 273−1566 years and at the regional scale, the estimated recurrence interval of large debris flows was 874 years (with undetermined error bands) during the past 7290 years. Dated lake sediments from the adjacent Lake Whatcom gave recurrence intervals for large sediment producing events ranging from 481−557 years over the past 3900 years and clearly discernible sedimentation events in the lacustrine sediments had a recurrence interval of 67−78 years over that same period.     

Dynamic process-based risk assessment of debris flow on a local scale

After the Wenchuan earthquake in China, debris flows have been more frequent. Multiple debris flows commonly occur in earthquake-affected areas during heavy rainfall, often causing losses of lives and property. We analyzed the dynamic movement of debris flows and proposed a quantitative method of debris flow hazard assessment, based on kinetic energy. Validated using field study of an actual debris flow disaster, these analyzes help determine the type, quantity, distribution, economic worth, and susceptibility of elements at risk. We established a method to determine vulnerability of elements at risk and we propose a systematic and quantitative method for local risk analysis of debris flows. We applied the proposed method to a debris flow in Qipan gully, which caused serious damages for Duwen Highway and Qipan settlements of Sichuan Province in 2013. With the support of a debris-flow movement numerical simulation, remote sensing, and GIS techniques, the proposed method analyzed disaster effects and divided the hazardous areas into three risk zones. Calculated risk zones coincided with the actual distribution and severity of damage of the event, suggesting that the risk assessment generated by the proposed method is consistent with results from the actual disaster.     

Debris flows in Glacier National Park, Montana: geomorphology and hazards

Debris flows are one of the many active slope-forming processes within Glacier National Park, Montana. Most debris flow landforms exhibit classic morphology with a distinct failure scarp, incised channel, channel levees, and toe deposits that often develop a lobate form. The Precambrian metasediments that dominate Glacier National Park's geology weather into angular clasts that range in size from platy gravels to boulders. Classic debris flows occur in areas where the topographic expression provides a debris source from cliff faces and an accumulation of regolith, often in the form of talus slopes. Many of these debris flows have long runout zones and can travel many hundreds of meters. Often they cross hiking trails or roads, including the main east–west highway, Going-to-the-Sun Road. Debris flows impacting the road have resulted in several near fatalities, and hikers have been forced to cross active debris flows to reach safe ground. The magnitude of debris flows varies between high magnitude channel incising events and low magnitude channel filling and/or reworking events. The frequency of debris flow events is irregular and appears to be controlled by the hydrology of triggering storms and antecedent moisture conditions, not by the debris supply. As a result, debris flow magnitude is not a function of frequency, but is more closely related to the characteristics of antecedent conditions and individual storms.     

区域泥石流孕灾环境危险性评价——以北京军都山区为例

以北京军都山区实测泥石流沟谷数为基准,基于因子叠加、信息量模型和FCM-粗糙集三种方法,分别获得了泥石流灾害发生的危险性等级分布,结果表明:①各分区单位面积内泥石流沟谷数都随着危险性评价等级的提高而增多;②因子叠加法和信息量模型法可得出五级泥石流灾害危险性分级,而粗糙集法只得出三级分级;③以实际泥石流沟谷落在评价区数目为标准,信息量模型法有90%以上的泥石流沟谷在危险性高和极高区域;粗糙集法得到危险区域覆盖了63.72%的泥石流沟谷分布;④从单位面积泥石流沟谷数与泥石流沟谷分布比率可得,信息量模型法评价精度较高,因子叠加法没有形成良好的梯度,而粗糙集法计算等级结果与其他方法存在差异,故须在其他区域进行进一步研究。     

泥石流灾害水文气象联合预报

由于降雨型泥石流是我国泥石流灾害的主要类型,所以以往对泥石流灾害的预测预报主要通过对雨量数据的分析来实现。但是由于雨量站记录雨量和灾害发生雨量并不一致,这就极大的影响了单纯依赖雨量数据预测预报的准确性。在分析环境因素影响的基础上,将水文和气象资料结合起来,用于泥石流灾害的预测预报。通过比较灾害发生前、发生时和发生后的河流洪峰流量、日降雨量和小时降雨量,发现洪峰流量和小时降雨量对灾害发生有很好的指示作用。经过在辽宁省岫岩满族自治县的试验,得到洪峰流量1 800 m3/s和小时降雨量50~60 mm这两个该县泥石流灾害发生临界值。结果表明水文和气象资料的联合应用,会大大改进泥石流灾害的预测预报效果。     

云南怒江流域泥石流敏感性空间分析

泥石流敏感性空间分析是通过评估诱发泥石流发生的因子,应用空间技术,进行泥石流发生的敏感性分析。本文探讨了GIS技术与敏感性分析的条件概率模型相结合的泥石流敏感性空间分析,并且阐述了GIS空间分析技术在泥石流敏感性制图中特有的优越性。研究区选择在遭受泥石流危害严重的云南怒江流域。用于泥石流敏感性分析评价的主要敏感因子包括地形坡度、岩土体类型、暴雨、河网密度、土地利用、地震动峰值加速度和人类活动。在对这些因子进行了敏感性空间分析的基础上,应用GIS的分析工具对敏感因子集成评价而产生了云南怒江流域泥石流敏感性评价图。泥石流敏感性评价图可以帮助规划者或工程师在土地发展规划中选择最佳建设场所,以减轻泥石流灾害的影响。     

天山泥石流灾害的形成条件和过程特点

泥石流是天山主要自然灾害之一， 天山泥石流按触发因素可以分为暴雨型泥石流和冰川型泥石流两类。目前天山泥石流主要对效能运输造成灾害在部分地点对厂矿企业和居民点造成灾害，天山泥石流的形成和发生有其特点，掌握其形条件和过程特点有利于减轻自然灾害。     

县级泥石流信息系统的建立及其应用──以四川省丹巴县为例

本文根据软件工程的原理和方法阐述了县级泥石流信息系统的建立过程，并讨论了其应用，主要包括数据库管理系统的应用，用图形库的应用，系统支持下的泥石流危险度分区，泥石流两类分别判别模式的建立。     

METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS DURING SLUSH-FLOW RELEASE AND THEIR GEOMORPHOLOGICAL IMPACT IN NORTHWESTERN ICELAND: A CASE STUDY FROM THE BÍLDUDALUR VALLEY

ABSTRACT. This paper examines triggering factors and geomorphic significance of slush flows in the Bíldudalur valley, northwestern Iceland. The area is prone to release slush flows from two confined gullies, and at least ten flows have been reported since the beginning of the twentieth century. Despite their short path (600 m) and their moderate magnitude (from 6000 to 8000 m³), slush flows in the Bíldudalur valley represent a serious threat for the local community that is situated within the runout and deposition zones. With the help of meteorological data, the release of known slush flows is examined, highlighting the role of heavy rainfall and rapid snow-melt during winter cyclonic activity. The geomorphological impact of slush flows is assessed through the characteristics of the landforms produced during the 1997 and 1998 slush-flow events. It appears that the most obvious characteristics of slush flows in the Bíldudalur valley are the entrainment and deposition of debris, spatially differentiated. Chaotic sedimentation occurs chiefly in the middle part of a clearly concave cone, even if the flows continue beyond the cone.     

基于GIS技术的泥石流风险评价研究

为了满足对自然灾害预测不断增长的紧迫要求，泥石流风险评价成为帮助决策过程重要的基础工具之一。即使泥石流风险性各组分的评价很困难，但地理信息系统可辅助提出这种风险性制图的有关方法。我们以云南省为研究区，选取6个成因因子参与泥石流危险度敏感性分析，通过将研究区易损性评价图与危险性评价图叠加分析，编制出云南省泥石流风险评价图。该图描述了在现有自然条件和人类活动下的泥石流风险敏感区。研究成果为全面反映灾情，确定减灾目标，优化防御措施，进行减灾决策提供了重要依据。     

Contrasting rainfall generated debris flows from adjacent watersheds at Forest Falls, southern California, USA

Debris flows are widespread and common in many steeply sloping areas of southern California. The San Bernardino Mountains community of Forest Falls is probably subject to the most frequently documented debris flows in southern California. Debris flows at Forest Falls are generated during short-duration high-intensity rains that mobilize surface material. Except for debris flows on two consecutive days in November 1965, all the documented historic debris flows have occurred during high-intensity summer rainfall, locally referred to as ‘monsoon’ or ‘cloudburst’ rains. Velocities of the moving debris range from about 5 km/h to about 90 km/h. Velocity of a moving flow appears to be essentially a function of the water content of the flow. Low velocity debris flows are characterized by steep snouts that, when stopped, have only small amounts of water draining from the flow. In marked contrast are high-velocity debris flows whose deposits more resemble fluvial deposits. In the Forest Falls area two adjacent drainage basins, Snow Creek and Rattlesnake Creek, have considerably different histories of debris flows. Snow Creek basin, with an area about three times as large as Rattlesnake Creek basin, has a well developed debris flow channel with broad levees. Most of the debris flows in Snow Creek have greater water content and attain higher velocities than those of Rattlesnake Creek. Most debris flows are in relative equilibrium with the geometry of the channel morphology. Exceptionally high-velocity flows, however, overshoot the channel walls at particularly tight channel curves. After overshooting the channel, the flows degrade the adjacent levee surface and remove trees and structures in the immediate path, before spreading out with decreasing velocity. As the velocity decreases the clasts in the debris flows pulverize the up-slope side of the trees and often imbed clasts in them. Debris flows in Rattlesnake Creek are relatively slow moving and commonly stop in the channel. After the channel is blocked, subsequent debris flows cut a new channel upstream from the blockage that results in the deposition of new debris-flow deposits on the lower part of the fan. Shifting the location of debris flows on the Rattlesnake Creek fan tends to prevent trees from becoming mature. Dense growths of conifer seedlings sprout in the spring on the late summer debris flow deposits. This repeated process results in stands of even-aged trees whose age records the age of the debris flows.     

北京大烂碴沟泥石流堆积扇的特征及其演变过程

北京山区由于山坡陡峻、构造发育、岩体破碎,加上气候条件,泥石流灾害的发生较为频繁.密云县是北京山区泥石流高发区,冯家峪镇则是密云县泥石流发生最多的区域.密云县冯家峪镇西白莲峪历史上发生多次泥石流,其流域自然地理条件复杂、泥石流堆积形态多样,大烂碴沟泥石流堆积扇具有一定的代表性.研究泥石流堆积特征及其演变过程,以期丰富北京山区泥石流基础资料,同时对完善泥石流灾害防治的危险区区划有所裨益.在收集当地泥石流发生历史资料的基础上,详细的调查了西白莲峪大烂碴沟的自然地理状况和泥石流堆积物的特点.大烂碴沟上游沟谷剖面呈"V"形,切割明显,地形坡度一般在32.以上,而下游沟谷剖面呈"U"形.从泥石流形成的年代和冲刷痕迹推测,"U"形沟谷为泥石流冲刷形成.整个流域成扇形,泥石流形成区面积为0.58 km2,流通区面积为0.09 km2.大烂碴沟流通区沟道极短,这样,形成区汇集洪水到达流通区后,严重冲刷沟谷坡脚,破坏基岩的稳定性,造成两岸岩石滑坡、崩塌和沟床岩石的整体性搬运,从而形成泥石流.流域出口处有泥石流扇形堆积体,砾石含量较多.采用野外调查和室内实验结合的方法对大烂碴沟泥石流的堆积物特点进行研究,具体如下:(1)地貌特征:采用野外量测与填图的方法,主要调查堆积扇的部位及其地形、沟道比降与宽度,堆积物外部形态等.(2)结构组成:主要有颗粒级配、岩性组成、砾石排列与分选性、堆积物的结构与构造特征,以及粒态、擦痕、砾石包裹情况,大漂砾粒径、堆积位置与排列等颗粒特征.砾石的调查通过在沟道内随机选取一定数量的砾石进行abc长度和倾向调查.以上参数通过现场观测、测量取得.选定泥石流堆积区典型部位Ⅰ和Ⅲ,通过挖圆形探坑,取出全部颗粒.将颗粒直径大于10 mm的大颗粒筛出,称重,将剩余颗粒1 kg左右带回实验室分析.粒度分析的主要方法为:平均粒径比中值能更正确地反映碎屑颗粒的集中趋势,按福克和沃德的平均粒径的表达式Mx:φ16 φ50 φ80/3判别碎屑颗粒的集中趋势;采用由福克和沃德提出的标准偏差σ=φ84-φ16/4 φ95-φ5/6.6判别颗粒大小的均匀程度;采用福,克和沃德的偏度公式:SK1=φ16 φ84 2φ50/2(φ84-φ16) φ5 φ95-2φ50/2(φ95-φ5)判别粒度分布的不对称程度;峰度是用来衡量粒度频率曲线尖锐程度的,也就是度量粒皮分布的中部与两尾端的展形之比,采用福克和沃德提'出的峰度公式KG=φ95-φ5 φ80/2.44(φ75-φ25)判别.在查阅历史资料和堆积物调查的基础上,本文对大烂碴沟泥石流堆积扇的发育和演变过程进行了分析.研究结果表明,该区泥石流堆积扇的形成受到初次水石流和二次粘性泥石流两种泥石流形成过程的影响,水石流形成堆积扇主体,粘性泥石流则起到显著改变堆积扇形态特征的作用.大烂碴沟泥石流堆积扇的演变过程和特征明显受到大烂碴主沟和西白莲峪主沟水流的影响.从外部特征来看,堆积扇可以分为Ⅰ,Ⅱ,Ⅲ和Ⅳ四个区,其中Ⅰ,Ⅱ,Ⅲ区表现为二次泥石流堆积特征,Ⅳ区表现为初次泥石流堆积特征.两次泥石流形成过程中固体物质的运动方式、搬运距离和侵蚀强度不同,其堆积扇在不同分区的沙砾粒径、排列方向和圆度也反映出两次泥石流的形成特征.该研究结果对今后进一步探讨北京山区泥石流形成机理和运动过程以及为北京山区泥石流防治制定有效措施提供了科学依据.     

山洪泥石流灾害预报预警技术述评

山洪泥石流灾害一直都是山区人民的心头之患，严重威胁着山区人民的生命财产安全。山洪泥石流灾害预报预防，是21世纪我国山丘区防灾减灾的一个重要战略方向。文章通过对国内外大量文献资料的综合分析，评价了目前国内外最具典型的山洪泥石流灾害空间预报技术、时间预报技术以及预警系统开发等预报预警技术，并指出了未来山洪泥石流灾害预报预警技术的发展趋势。     

GIS‐based modeling of glacial hazards and their interactions using Landsat‐TM and IKONOS imagery

Hazard interactions in glacial and periglacial environments are of crucial importance due to their potential for causing major catastrophes. Nevertheless, glacial and periglacial hazards have usually been modeled separately to date. In this study, we therefore propose a methodological strategy for modeling and assessing glacial and periglacial hazard interactions on a regional scale, including ice avalanches, lake outbursts and periglacial debris flows. Due to climate‐related rapid changes in glacial and periglacial areas, methods which incorporate monitoring capacities are needed. Hence, the methods presented here are based on remote sensing data, which are particularly powerful for monitoring tasks, and GIS modeling. For ice avalanche and lake‐outburst hazard detection and modeling, we applied recently published methods based on Landsat‐TM imagery, terrain modeling and flow routing. For detection of potential debris‐flow initiation zones in steep debris reservoirs, we present a novel method based on image processing of IKONOS data and terrain modeling, followed by flow modeling. Using this method, we achieve the synthesis of the individual process modeling in order to assess the potential interactions. The modeling is applied to a study region in the central Swiss Alps. The results show that systematic modeling based on remote sensing and GIS is suitable for first‐order assessment of glacial and periglacial hazard interactions as well as assessments of possible consequences, including impacts on traffic routes and other infrastructure. Based on this, critical cases can be detected and analyzed by subsequent detailed studies.     

金沙江流域(云南境内)山地灾害危险性评价

云南境内的金沙江流域是斜坡不稳定的敏感区,根据1988-2000年的区域调查和统计,区内发育山地灾害点1697处,其中流域面积大于1km2的泥石流沟808条,体积大于1×104m3的滑坡580处,体积大于1000m3的崩塌309处。用于山地灾害危险性评价的主要敏感因子包括岩土体类型、山坡坡度、降雨、土地利用、地震烈度和人类活动。在对这些因子进行了敏感性评价的基础上,应用GIS对敏感因子集成评价而产生了云南金沙江流域山地灾害危险性评价图。评价结果表明:高危险区面积占全区面积6464km2的8 77%,中危险区占全区总面积的41 51%,低危险区占41 12%,无危险区占8 60%。山地灾害危险性评价图可以帮助规划者或工程师在土地发展规划中选择最佳建设场所,以减轻灾害的影响。     

Empirical models to predict the volumes of debris flows generated by recently burned basins in the western U.S.

Recently burned basins frequently produce debris flows in response to moderate-to-severe rainfall. Post-fire hazard assessments of debris flows are most useful when they predict the volume of material that may flow out of a burned basin. This study develops a set of empirically-based models that predict potential volumes of wildfire-related debris flows in different regions and geologic settings.The models were developed using data from 53 recently burned basins in Colorado, Utah and California. The volumes of debris flows in these basins were determined by either measuring the volume of material eroded from the channels, or by estimating the amount of material removed from debris retention basins. For each basin, independent variables thought to affect the volume of the debris flow were determined. These variables include measures of basin morphology, basin areas burned at different severities, soil material properties, rock type, and rainfall amounts and intensities for storms triggering debris flows. Using these data, multiple regression analyses were used to create separate predictive models for volumes of debris flows generated by burned basins in six separate regions or settings, including the western U.S., southern California, the Rocky Mountain region, and basins underlain by sedimentary, metamorphic and granitic rocks.An evaluation of these models indicated that the best model (the Western U.S. model) explains 83% of the variability in the volumes of the debris flows, and includes variables that describe the basin area with slopes greater than or equal to 30%, the basin area burned at moderate and high severity, and total storm rainfall. This model was independently validated by comparing volumes of debris flows reported in the literature, to volumes estimated using the model. Eighty-seven percent of the reported volumes were within two residual standard errors of the volumes predicted using the model. This model is an improvement over previous models in that it includes a measure of burn severity and an estimate of modeling errors. The application of this model, in conjunction with models for the probability of debris flows, will enable more complete and rapid assessments of debris flow hazards following wildfire.     

Combining field and modelling techniques to assess rockfall dynamics on a protection forest hillslope in the European Alps

Adequate management of a mountain forest that protects downslope areas against impacts of rockfall requires insight into the dynamics of the hillslope environment. Therefore, we applied a combined approach, using field and modelling techniques, to assess the determining factors for rockfall source areas, rockfall tracks and rockfall runout zones on a forested slope in mountainous terrain. The first objective of this study was to understand why rockfall occurs in the study area. The second objective was to translate the knowledge obtained in the field into a model that simulates rockfall dynamics on a forested slope realistically. The third objective was to assess which hillslope characteristics primarily determine the distribution of active rockfall tracks. To achieve these objectives, we made a geomorphological map of the whole study area, and we measured the major discontinuity planes in the bedrock that are exposed in the rockfall source areas. Furthermore, a test site for simulation modelling within the larger study area was defined in which both a forest and a hillslope inventory were carried out. The available data and our developed rockfall simulation model allowed us to assess the slope characteristics that mainly determine the distribution of areas affected by rockfall. We found that in decreasing order of importance, both standing and felled trees, the surface roughness and rockfall resistant shrubs primarily determine the distribution of rockfall-affected areas. Simulation tests without a forest cover produced similar rockfall runout zones as fossil rockfall events identified in the field. We believe that the combined field and modelling approach is a prerequisite for understanding how forests can protect against rockfall.