Debris flows simulation by cellular automata: a short review of the sciddica models

Abstract

Cellular Automata models are a promising solution for the simulation of debris flows moving over a 3D topography. In this paper, an extensive review of SCIDDICA, a Cellular Automata model based on the equivalent fluid approach, is presented. Moreover, the main steps in the development of SCIDDICA are described with a chronological criterion. The last version of SCIDDICA (SS2) is suitable for the simulation of completely subaerial, completely subaqueous and combined subaerial-subaqueous debris flows. Main features of a debris flow are accounted by the SS2 version such as erosion and deposition and triggering of secondary landslides along the path, presence of structures and buildings, run-up effects and, in the case of coastal landslides, impulsive loss of matter (water and finer grains) and energy dissipation at water impact. Moreover, buoyancy effects, drag forces and peculiar mechanisms like hydroplaning are also modeled for submerged events. Several past debris-flows like the 1998-1999 Campanian debris flows (Italy), the 1997 debris flow at Lake Albano (Italy) and the 2008 submarine debris flow at Bagnara Calabra (Italy) have been simulated in the last years by SCIDDICA. A short review of these case studies will be presented and the main limitations encountered will be also discussed, thus suggesting future improvements and perspectives, such as susceptibility analysis and interaction with man made structures