An integrated approach to simulate channalized debris flows from triggering to deposition

Abstract

The purpose of this study, which is currently underway, is the analysis of debris flows from the lithology of the bedrocks (source rocks) that gives rise to the loose material, through the triggering process, to the routing and deposition phases. In particular three methods of analysis have been linked: a geological model, a triggering model that couples the results of a distributed kinematic hydrological model with a critical discharge relationship and a numerical model based on Cellular Automata for the simulation of debris flow routing and deposition. The geological model concerns the catchment lithology and outlines some links between the main lithology forming a basin bed-rock and the characteristics of debris flow triggering process. The triggering model, computes debris flow hydrogram which is the input of the routing model. The methodology outlined above was successfully applied to debris flows occurred in a basin located in North-western Alps.