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.