Analysis of the Mobilization of Debris Flows

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to learn how to predict the potential for debris flow. Many people living in the southwestern United States face the eventual prospect of a visit by a devastating debris flow. Geologists familiar with the process of debris flow have recognized debris-flow deposits in alluvial fans and, based on this historical record, have accurately predicted future debris-flow activity. Unfortunately, the historical approach to the prediction of debris flows is not always reliable because areas can change, as by destruction of the native vegetation or by man's alteration of the landscape by construction. Therefore, this study was designed to analyse the processes of mobilization of debris flows in order to develop a method of quantitatively evaluating the susceptability of an area to erosion by debris-flow activity.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 1974
Accession Number
ADA001832

Entities

People

  • Arvid M. Johnson
  • Ernest I. Rich
  • James D. Rodine

Organizations

  • Stanford University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Ground and Sea Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Drainage Basins
  • Friction
  • Geography
  • Geological Surveys
  • Geology
  • Internal Friction
  • Lepidoptera
  • Materials
  • Mechanics
  • Military Research
  • Particles
  • Ridges
  • Sliding Friction
  • Surveys
  • United States

Readers

  • Riverine Ecology
  • Systems Analysis and Design
  • Theoretical Analysis.