Articles | Volume 9, issue 6
https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-9-1423-2021
© Author(s) 2021. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-9-1423-2021
© Author(s) 2021. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
04 Nov 2021
Research article |
| 04 Nov 2021
| 04 Nov 2021
Triggering and propagation of exogenous sediment pulses in mountain channels: insights from flume experiments with seismic monitoring
Marco Piantini
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
University Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, IRD, Institute for Geosciences and
Environmental Research (IGE), Grenoble, France
University Grenoble Alpes, INRAE, ETNA, Grenoble, France
Florent Gimbert
University Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, IRD, Institute for Geosciences and
Environmental Research (IGE), Grenoble, France
Hervé Bellot
University Grenoble Alpes, INRAE, ETNA, Grenoble, France
Alain Recking
University Grenoble Alpes, INRAE, ETNA, Grenoble, France
Related authors
Małgorzata Chmiel, Maxime Godano, Marco Piantini, Pierre Brigode, Florent Gimbert, Maarten Bakker, Françoise Courboulex, Jean-Paul Ampuero, Diane Rivet, Anthony Sladen, David Ambrois, and Margot Chapuis
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 1541–1558, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-1541-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-1541-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
On 2 October 2020, the French Maritime Alps were struck by an extreme rainfall event caused by Storm Alex. Here, we show that seismic data provide the timing and velocity of the propagation of flash-flood waves along the Vésubie River. We also detect 114 small local earthquakes triggered by the rainwater weight and/or its infiltration into the ground. This study paves the way for future works that can reveal further details of the impact of Storm Alex on the Earth’s surface and subsurface.
Mohamad Nasr, Adele Johannot, Thomas Geay, Sebastien Zanker, Jules Le Guern, and Alain Recking
Earth Surf. Dynam., 12, 117–134, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-117-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-117-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Hydrophones are used to monitor sediment transport in the river by listening to the acoustic noise generated by particle impacts on the riverbed. However, this acoustic noise is modified by the river flow and can cause misleading information about sediment transport. This article proposes a model that corrects the measured acoustic signal. Testing the model showed that the corrected signal is better correlated with bedload flux in the river.
Małgorzata Chmiel, Maxime Godano, Marco Piantini, Pierre Brigode, Florent Gimbert, Maarten Bakker, Françoise Courboulex, Jean-Paul Ampuero, Diane Rivet, Anthony Sladen, David Ambrois, and Margot Chapuis
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 1541–1558, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-1541-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-1541-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
On 2 October 2020, the French Maritime Alps were struck by an extreme rainfall event caused by Storm Alex. Here, we show that seismic data provide the timing and velocity of the propagation of flash-flood waves along the Vésubie River. We also detect 114 small local earthquakes triggered by the rainwater weight and/or its infiltration into the ground. This study paves the way for future works that can reveal further details of the impact of Storm Alex on the Earth’s surface and subsurface.
Nathan Maier, Florent Gimbert, Fabien Gillet-Chaulet, and Adrien Gilbert
The Cryosphere, 15, 1435–1451, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-1435-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-1435-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
In Greenland, ice motion and the surface geometry depend on the friction at the bed. We use satellite measurements and modeling to determine how ice speeds and friction are related across the ice sheet. The relationships indicate that ice flowing over bed bumps sets the friction across most of the ice sheet's on-land regions. This result helps simplify and improve our understanding of how ice motion will change in the future.
Christian Vincent, Diego Cusicanqui, Bruno Jourdain, Olivier Laarman, Delphine Six, Adrien Gilbert, Andrea Walpersdorf, Antoine Rabatel, Luc Piard, Florent Gimbert, Olivier Gagliardini, Vincent Peyaud, Laurent Arnaud, Emmanuel Thibert, Fanny Brun, and Ugo Nanni
The Cryosphere, 15, 1259–1276, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-1259-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-1259-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
In situ glacier point mass balance data are crucial to assess climate change in different regions of the world. Unfortunately, these data are rare because huge efforts are required to conduct in situ measurements on glaciers. Here, we propose a new approach from remote sensing observations. The method has been tested on the Argentière and Mer de Glace glaciers (France). It should be possible to apply this method to high-spatial-resolution satellite images and on numerous glaciers in the world.
Ugo Nanni, Florent Gimbert, Christian Vincent, Dominik Gräff, Fabian Walter, Luc Piard, and Luc Moreau
The Cryosphere, 14, 1475–1496, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-14-1475-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-14-1475-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
Our study addresses key questions on the subglacial drainage system physics through a novel observational approach that overcomes traditional limitations. We conducted, over 2 years, measurements of the subglacial water-flow-induced seismic noise and of glacier basal sliding speeds. We then inverted for the subglacial channel's hydraulic pressure gradient and hydraulic radius and investigated the links between the equilibrium state of subglacial channels and glacier basal sliding.
Amandine Sergeant, Małgorzata Chmiel, Fabian Lindner, Fabian Walter, Philippe Roux, Julien Chaput, Florent Gimbert, and Aurélien Mordret
The Cryosphere, 14, 1139–1171, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-14-1139-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-14-1139-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
This study explores the capacity to apply ambient noise interferometry to passive seismic recordings in glaciers. Green's function between two seismometers represents the impulse response of the elastic medium. It can be approximated from cross-correlation of random seismic wave fields. For glaciers, its recovery is notoriously difficult due to weak ice seismic scattering. We propose three methods to bridge the gap and show the potential for passive seismic imaging and monitoring of glaciers.
Fabian Lindner, Fabian Walter, Gabi Laske, and Florent Gimbert
The Cryosphere, 14, 287–308, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-14-287-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-14-287-2020, 2020
Related subject area
Physical: Geomorphology (including all aspects of fluvial, coastal, aeolian, hillslope and glacial geomorphology)
Stream hydrology controls on ice cliff evolution and survival on debris-covered glaciers
Time-varying drainage basin development and erosion on volcanic edifices
Geomorphic risk maps for river migration using probabilistic modeling – a framework
Evolution of submarine canyons and hanging-wall fans: insights from geomorphic experiments and morphodynamic models
Riverine sediment response to deforestation in the Amazon basin
Physical modeling of ice-sheet-induced salt movements using the example of northern Germany
Downstream rounding rate of pebbles in the Himalaya
A physics-based model for fluvial valley width
Implications for the resilience of modern coastal systems derived from mesoscale barrier dynamics at Fire Island, New York
Quantifying the migration rate of drainage divides from high-resolution topographic data
Long-term monitoring (1953–2019) of geomorphologically active sections of Little Ice Age lateral moraines in the context of changing meteorological conditions
Coevolving edge rounding and shape of glacial erratics: the case of Shap granite, UK
Dimensionless argument: a narrow grain size range near 2 mm plays a special role in river sediment transport and morphodynamics
Path length and sediment transport estimation from DEMs of difference: a signal processing approach
Influence of cohesive clay on wave–current ripple dynamics captured in a 3D phase diagram
Statistical characterization of erosion and sediment transport mechanics in shallow tidal environments – Part 1: Erosion dynamics
Statistical characterization of erosion and sediment transport mechanics in shallow tidal environments – Part 2: Suspended sediment dynamics
Geomorphological and hydrological controls on sediment export in earthquake-affected catchments in the Nepal Himalaya
Optimization of passive acoustic bedload monitoring in rivers by signal inversion
Stochastic properties of coastal flooding events – Part 2: Probabilistic analysis
Field monitoring of pore water pressure in fully and partly saturated debris flows at Ohya landslide scar, Japan
Analysis of autogenic bifurcation processes resulting in river avulsion
Bedload transport fluctuations, flow conditions, and disequilibrium ratio at the Swiss Erlenbach stream: results from 27 years of high-resolution temporal measurements
Stochastic properties of coastal flooding events – Part 1: convolutional-neural-network-based semantic segmentation for water detection
Role of the forcing sources in morphodynamic modelling of an embayed beach
Coexistence of two dune scales in a lowland river
Alpine hillslope failure in the western US: insights from the Chaos Canyon landslide, Rocky Mountain National Park, USA
Using repeat UAV-based laser scanning and multispectral imagery to explore eco-geomorphic feedbacks along a river corridor
Numerical modelling of the evolution of a river reach with a complex morphology to help define future sustainable restoration decisions
Method to evaluate large-wood behavior in terms of the convection equation associated with sediment erosion and deposition
Effects of seasonal variations in vegetation and precipitation on catchment erosion rates along a climate and ecological gradient: insights from numerical modeling
On the use of convolutional deep learning to predict shoreline change
A machine learning approach to the geomorphometric detection of ribbed moraines in Norway
On the use of packing models for the prediction of fluvial sediment porosity
Automated riverbed composition analysis using deep learning on underwater images
Marsh-induced backwater: the influence of non-fluvial sedimentation on a delta's channel morphology and kinematics
Spatial and temporal variations in rockwall erosion rates derived from cosmogenic 10Be in medial moraines at five valley glaciers around Pigne d'Arolla, Switzerland
Building a bimodal landscape: bedrock lithology and bed thickness controls on the morphology of Last Chance Canyon, New Mexico, USA
Geotechnical controls on erodibility in fluvial impact erosion
Linear-stability analysis of plane beds under flows with suspended loads
Estimating surface water availability in high mountain rock slopes using a numerical energy balance model
Sediment source and sink identification using Sentinel-2 and a small network of turbidimeters on the Vjosa River
Spatiotemporal bedload transport patterns over two-dimensional bedforms
Ice-buttressing-controlled rock slope failure on a cirque headwall, Lake District, UK
The probabilistic nature of dune collisions in 2D
Shape still matters: rockfall interactions with trees and deadwood in a mountain forest uncover a new facet of rock shape dependency
Earthquake contributions to coastal cliff retreat
Morphologic and morphometric differences between gullies formed in different substrates on Mars: new insights into the gully formation processes
Testing the sensitivity of the CAESAR-Lisflood landscape evolution model to grid cell size
Development of a machine learning model for river bed load
Eric Petersen, Regine Hock, and Michael G. Loso
Earth Surf. Dynam., 12, 727–745, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-727-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-727-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Ice cliffs are melt hot spots that increase melt rates on debris-covered glaciers which otherwise see a reduction in melt rates. In this study, we show how surface runoff streams contribute to the generation, evolution, and survival of ice cliffs by carving into the glacier and transporting rocky debris. On Kennicott Glacier, Alaska, 33 % of ice cliffs are actively influenced by streams, while nearly half are within 10 m of streams.
Daniel O'Hara, Liran Goren, Roos M. J. van Wees, Benjamin Campforts, Pablo Grosse, Pierre Lahitte, Gabor Kereszturi, and Matthieu Kervyn
Earth Surf. Dynam., 12, 709–726, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-709-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-709-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Understanding how volcanic edifices develop drainage basins remains unexplored in landscape evolution. Using digital evolution models of volcanoes with varying ages, we quantify the geometries of their edifices and associated drainage basins through time. We find that these metrics correlate with edifice age and are thus useful indicators of a volcano’s history. We then develop a generalized model for how volcano basins develop and compare our results to basin evolution in other settings.
Brayden Noh, Omar Wani, Kieran B. J. Dunne, and Michael P. Lamb
Earth Surf. Dynam., 12, 691–708, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-691-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-691-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
In this paper, we propose a framework for generating risk maps that provide the probabilities of erosion due to river migration. This framework uses concepts from probability theory to learn the river migration model's parameter values from satellite data while taking into account parameter uncertainty. Our analysis shows that such geomorphic risk estimation is more reliable than models that do not explicitly consider various sources of variability and uncertainty.
Steven Y. J. Lai, David Amblas, Aaron Micallef, and Hervé Capart
Earth Surf. Dynam., 12, 621–640, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-621-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-621-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This study explores the creation of submarine canyons and hanging-wall fans on active faults, which can be defined by gravity-dominated breaching and underflow-dominated diffusion processes. The study reveals the self-similarity in canyon–fan long profiles, uncovers Hack’s scaling relationship and proposes a formula to estimate fan volume using canyon length. This is validated by global data from source-to-sink systems, providing insights into deep-water sedimentary processes.
Anuska Narayanan, Sagy Cohen, and John R. Gardner
Earth Surf. Dynam., 12, 581–599, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-581-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-581-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This study investigates the profound impact of deforestation in the Amazon on sediment dynamics. Novel remote sensing data and statistical analyses reveal significant changes, especially in heavily deforested regions, with rapid effects within a year. In less disturbed areas, a 1- to 2-year lag occurs, influenced by natural sediment shifts and human activities. These findings highlight the need to understand the consequences of human activity for our planet's future.
Jacob Hardt, Tim P. Dooley, and Michael R. Hudec
Earth Surf. Dynam., 12, 559–579, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-559-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-559-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We investigate the reaction of salt structures on ice sheet transgressions. We used a series of sandbox models that enabled us to experiment with scaled-down versions of salt bodies from northern Germany. The strongest reactions occurred when large salt pillows were partly covered by the ice load. Subsurface salt structures may play an important role in the energy transition, e.g., as energy storage. Thus, it is important to understand all processes that affect their stability.
Prakash Pokhrel, Mikael Attal, Hugh D. Sinclair, Simon M. Mudd, and Mark Naylor
Earth Surf. Dynam., 12, 515–536, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-515-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-515-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Pebbles become increasingly rounded during downstream transport in rivers due to abrasion. This study quantifies pebble roundness along the length of two Himalayan rivers. We demonstrate that roundness increases with downstream distance and that the rates are dependent on rock type. We apply this to reconstructing travel distances and hence the size of ancient Himalaya. Results show that the ancient river network was larger than the modern one, indicating that there has been river capture.
Jens Martin Turowski, Aaron Bufe, and Stefanie Tofelde
Earth Surf. Dynam., 12, 493–514, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-493-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-493-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Fluvial valleys are ubiquitous landforms, and understanding their formation and evolution affects a wide range of disciplines from archaeology and geology to fish biology. Here, we develop a model to predict the width of fluvial valleys for a wide range of geographic conditions. In the model, fluvial valley width is controlled by the two competing factors of lateral channel mobility and uplift. The model complies with available data and yields a broad range of quantitative predictions.
Daniel J. Ciarletta, Jennifer L. Miselis, Julie C. Bernier, and Arnell S. Forde
Earth Surf. Dynam., 12, 449–475, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-449-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-449-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We reconstructed the evolution of Fire Island, a barrier island in New York, USA, to identify drivers of landscape change. Results reveal Fire Island was once divided into multiple inlet-separated islands with distinct features. Later, inlets closed, and Fire Island’s landscape became more uniform as human activities intensified. The island is now less mobile and less likely to resist and recover from storm impacts and sea level rise. This vulnerability may exist for other stabilized barriers.
Chao Zhou, Xibin Tan, Yiduo Liu, and Feng Shi
Earth Surf. Dynam., 12, 433–448, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-433-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-433-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
The drainage-divide stability provides new insights into both the river network evolution and the tectonic and/or climatic changes. Several methods have been proposed to determine the direction of drainage-divide migration. However, how to quantify the migration rate of drainage divides remains challenging. In this paper, we propose a new method to calculate the migration rate of drainage divides from high-resolution topographic data.
Moritz Altmann, Madlene Pfeiffer, Florian Haas, Jakob Rom, Fabian Fleischer, Tobias Heckmann, Livia Piermattei, Michael Wimmer, Lukas Braun, Manuel Stark, Sarah Betz-Nutz, and Michael Becht
Earth Surf. Dynam., 12, 399–431, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-399-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-399-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We show a long-term erosion monitoring of several sections on Little Ice Age lateral moraines with derived sediment yield from historical and current digital elevation modelling (DEM)-based differences. The first study period shows a clearly higher range of variability of sediment yield within the sites than the later periods. In most cases, a decreasing trend of geomorphic activity was observed.
Paul A. Carling
Earth Surf. Dynam., 12, 381–397, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-381-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-381-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Edge rounding in Shap granite glacial erratics is an irregular function of distance from the source outcrop in northern England, UK. Block shape is conservative, evolving according to block fracture mechanics – stochastic and silver ratio models – towards either of two attractor states. Progressive reduction in size occurs for blocks transported at the sole of the ice mass where the blocks are subject to compressive and tensile forces of the ice acting against a bedrock or till surface.
Gary Parker, Chenge An, Michael P. Lamb, Marcelo H. Garcia, Elizabeth H. Dingle, and Jeremy G. Venditti
Earth Surf. Dynam., 12, 367–380, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-367-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-367-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
River morphology has traditionally been divided by the size 2 mm. We use dimensionless arguments to show that particles in the 1–5 mm range (i) are the finest range not easily suspended by alluvial flood flows, (ii) are transported preferentially over coarser gravel, and (iii), within limits, are also transported preferentially over sand. We show how fluid viscosity mediates the special status of sediment in this range.
Lindsay Marie Capito, Enrico Pandrin, Walter Bertoldi, Nicola Surian, and Simone Bizzi
Earth Surf. Dynam., 12, 321–345, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-321-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-321-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We propose that the pattern of erosion and deposition from repeat topographic surveys can be a proxy for path length in gravel-bed rivers. With laboratory and field data, we applied tools from signal processing to quantify this periodicity and used these path length estimates to calculate sediment transport using the morphological method. Our results highlight the potential to expand the use of the morphological method using only remotely sensed data as well as its limitations.
Xuxu Wu, Jonathan Malarkey, Roberto Fernández, Jaco H. Baas, Ellen Pollard, and Daniel R. Parsons
Earth Surf. Dynam., 12, 231–247, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-231-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-231-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
The seabed changes from flat to rippled in response to the frictional influence of waves and currents. This experimental study has shown that the speed of this change, the size of ripples that result and even whether ripples appear also depend on the amount of sticky mud present. This new classification on the basis of initial mud content should lead to improvements in models of seabed change in present environments by engineers and the interpretation of past environments by geologists.
Andrea D'Alpaos, Davide Tognin, Laura Tommasini, Luigi D'Alpaos, Andrea Rinaldo, and Luca Carniello
Earth Surf. Dynam., 12, 181–199, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-181-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-181-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Sediment erosion induced by wind waves is one of the main drivers of the morphological evolution of shallow tidal environments. However, a reliable description of erosion events for the long-term morphodynamic modelling of tidal systems is still lacking. By statistically characterizing sediment erosion dynamics in the Venice Lagoon over the last 4 centuries, we set up a novel framework for a synthetic, yet reliable, description of erosion events in tidal systems.
Davide Tognin, Andrea D'Alpaos, Luigi D'Alpaos, Andrea Rinaldo, and Luca Carniello
Earth Surf. Dynam., 12, 201–218, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-201-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-201-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Reliable quantification of sediment transport processes is necessary to understand the fate of shallow tidal environments. Here we present a framework for the description of suspended sediment dynamics to quantify deposition in the long-term modelling of shallow tidal systems. This characterization, together with that of erosion events, allows one to set up synthetic, yet reliable, models for the long-term evolution of tidal landscapes.
Emma L. S. Graf, Hugh D. Sinclair, Mikaël Attal, Boris Gailleton, Basanta Raj Adhikari, and Bishnu Raj Baral
Earth Surf. Dynam., 12, 135–161, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-135-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-135-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Using satellite images, we show that, unlike other examples of earthquake-affected rivers, the rivers of central Nepal experienced little increase in sedimentation following the 2015 Gorkha earthquake. Instead, a catastrophic flood occurred in 2021 that buried towns and agricultural land under up to 10 m of sediment. We show that intense storms remobilised glacial sediment from high elevations causing much a greater impact than flushing of earthquake-induced landslides.
Mohamad Nasr, Adele Johannot, Thomas Geay, Sebastien Zanker, Jules Le Guern, and Alain Recking
Earth Surf. Dynam., 12, 117–134, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-117-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-117-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Hydrophones are used to monitor sediment transport in the river by listening to the acoustic noise generated by particle impacts on the riverbed. However, this acoustic noise is modified by the river flow and can cause misleading information about sediment transport. This article proposes a model that corrects the measured acoustic signal. Testing the model showed that the corrected signal is better correlated with bedload flux in the river.
Byungho Kang, Rusty A. Feagin, Thomas Huff, and Orencio Durán Vinent
Earth Surf. Dynam., 12, 105–115, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-105-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-105-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We provide a detailed characterization of the frequency, intensity and duration of flooding events at a site along the Texas coast. Our analysis demonstrates the suitability of relatively simple wave run-up models to estimate the frequency and intensity of coastal flooding. Our results validate and expand a probabilistic model of coastal flooding driven by wave run-up that can then be used in coastal risk management in response to sea level rise.
Shunsuke Oya, Fumitoshi Imaizumi, and Shoki Takayama
Earth Surf. Dynam., 12, 67–86, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-67-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-67-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
The monitoring of pore water pressure in fully and partly saturated debris flows was performed at Ohya landslide scar, central Japan. The pore water pressure in some partly saturated flows greatly exceeded the hydrostatic pressure. The depth gradient of the pore water pressure in the lower part of the flow was generally higher than the upper part of the flow. We conclude that excess pore water pressure is present in many debris flow surges and is an important mechanism in debris flow behavior.
Gabriele Barile, Marco Redolfi, and Marco Tubino
Earth Surf. Dynam., 12, 87–103, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-87-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-87-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
River bifurcations often show the closure of one branch (avulsion), whose causes are still poorly understood. Our model shows that when one branch stops transporting sediments, the other considerably erodes and captures much more flow, resulting in a self-sustaining process. This phenomenon intensifies when increasing the length of the branches, eventually leading to branch closure. This work may help to understand when avulsions occur and thus to design sustainable river restoration projects.
Dieter Rickenmann
Earth Surf. Dynam., 12, 11–34, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-11-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-11-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Field measurements of the bedload flux with a high temporal resolution in a steep mountain stream were used to analyse the transport fluctuations as a function of the flow conditions. The disequilibrium ratio, a proxy for the solid particle concentration in the flow, was found to influence the sediment transport behaviour, and above-average disequilibrium conditions – associated with a larger sediment availability on the streambed – substantially affect subsequent transport conditions.
Byungho Kang, Rusty A. Feagin, Thomas Huff, and Orencio Durán Vinent
Earth Surf. Dynam., 12, 1–10, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-1-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-1-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Coastal flooding can cause significant damage to coastal ecosystems, infrastructure, and communities and is expected to increase in frequency with the acceleration of sea level rise. In order to respond to it, it is crucial to measure and model their frequency and intensity. Here, we show deep-learning techniques can be successfully used to automatically detect flooding events from complex coastal imagery, opening the way to real-time monitoring and data acquisition for model development.
Nil Carrion-Bertran, Albert Falqués, Francesca Ribas, Daniel Calvete, Rinse de Swart, Ruth Durán, Candela Marco-Peretó, Marta Marcos, Angel Amores, Tim Toomey, Àngels Fernández-Mora, and Jorge Guillén
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-2721, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-2721, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
The sensitivity to the wave and sea-level forcing sources in predicting a 6-month embayed beach evolution is assessed using two different morphodynamic models. After a successful model calibration using in-situ data, other sources are applied. The wave source choice is critical: hindcast data provide wrong results due to an angle bias whilst the correct dynamics is recovered with the wave conditions from an offshore buoy. The use of different sea-level sources gives no significant differences.
Judith Y. Zomer, Bart Vermeulen, and Antonius J. F. Hoitink
Earth Surf. Dynam., 11, 1283–1298, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-1283-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-1283-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Secondary bedforms that are superimposed on large, primary dunes likely play a large role in fluvial systems. This study demonstrates that they can be omnipresent. Especially during peak flows, they grow large and can have steep slopes, likely affecting flood risk and sediment transport dynamics. Primary dune morphology determines whether they continuously or intermittently migrate. During discharge peaks, the secondary bedforms can become the dominant dune scale.
Matthew C. Morriss, Benjamin Lehmann, Benjamin Campforts, George Brencher, Brianna Rick, Leif S. Anderson, Alexander L. Handwerger, Irina Overeem, and Jeffrey Moore
Earth Surf. Dynam., 11, 1251–1274, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-1251-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-1251-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
In this paper, we investigate the 28 June 2022 collapse of the Chaos Canyon landslide in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, USA. We find that the landslide was moving prior to its collapse and took place at peak spring snowmelt; temperature modeling indicates the potential presence of permafrost. We hypothesize that this landslide could be part of the broader landscape evolution changes to alpine terrain caused by a warming climate, leading to thawing alpine permafrost.
Christopher Tomsett and Julian Leyland
Earth Surf. Dynam., 11, 1223–1249, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-1223-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-1223-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Vegetation influences how rivers change through time, yet the way in which we analyse vegetation is limited. Current methods collect detailed data at the individual plant level or determine dominant vegetation types across larger areas. Herein, we use UAVs to collect detailed vegetation datasets for a 1 km length of river and link vegetation properties to channel evolution occurring within the study site, providing a new method for investigating the influence of vegetation on river systems.
Rabab Yassine, Ludovic Cassan, Hélène Roux, Olivier Frysou, and François Pérès
Earth Surf. Dynam., 11, 1199–1221, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-1199-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-1199-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Predicting river morphology evolution is very complicated, especially for mountain rivers with complex morphologies such as the Lac des Gaves reach in France. A 2D hydromorphological model was developed to reproduce the channel's evolution and provide reliable volumetric predictions while revealing the challenge of choosing adapted sediment transport and friction laws. Our model can provide decision-makers with reliable predictions to design suitable restoration measures for this reach.
Daisuke Harada and Shinji Egashira
Earth Surf. Dynam., 11, 1183–1197, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-1183-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-1183-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
This paper proposes a method for describing large-wood behavior in terms of the convection equation and the storage equation, which are associated with active sediment erosion and deposition. Compared to the existing Lagrangian method, the proposed method can easily simulate the behavior of large wood in the flow field with active sediment transport. The method is applied to the flood disaster in the Akatani River in 2017, and the 2-D flood flow computations are successfully performed.
Hemanti Sharma and Todd A. Ehlers
Earth Surf. Dynam., 11, 1161–1181, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-1161-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-1161-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Seasonality in precipitation (P) and vegetation (V) influences catchment erosion (E), although which factor plays the dominant role is unclear. In this study, we performed a sensitivity analysis of E to P–V seasonality through numerical modeling. Our results suggest that P variations strongly influence seasonal variations in E, while the effect of seasonal V variations is secondary but significant. This is more pronounced in moderate and least pronounced in extreme environmental settings.
Eduardo Gomez-de la Peña, Giovanni Coco, Colin Whittaker, and Jennifer Montaño
Earth Surf. Dynam., 11, 1145–1160, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-1145-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-1145-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Predicting how shorelines change over time is a major challenge in coastal research. We here have turned to deep learning (DL), a data-driven modelling approach, to predict the movement of shorelines using observations from a camera system in New Zealand. The DL models here implemented succeeded in capturing the variability and distribution of the observed shoreline data. Overall, these findings indicate that DL has the potential to enhance the accuracy of current shoreline change predictions.
Thomas James Barnes, Thomas Vikhamar Schuler, Simon Filhol, and Karianne Staalesen Lilleøren
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-2430, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-2430, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
In this paper we use machine learning to automatically outline landforms based on their characteristics. We test several methods to identify the most accurate, and then proceed to develop the most accurate to improve its accuracy further. We manage to outline landforms with 65–75 % accuracy, at a resolution of 10 metres, thanks to high-quality/-resolution elevation data. We find that it is possible to run this method at a country-scale to quickly produce landform inventories for future studies.
Christoph Rettinger, Mina Tabesh, Ulrich Rüde, Stefan Vollmer, and Roy M. Frings
Earth Surf. Dynam., 11, 1097–1115, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-1097-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-1097-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Packing models promise efficient and accurate porosity predictions of fluvial sediment deposits. In this study, three packing models were reviewed, calibrated, and validated. Only two of the models were able to handle the continuous and large grain size distributions typically encountered in rivers. We showed that an extension by a cohesion model is necessary and developed guidelines for successful predictions in different rivers.
Alexander A. Ermilov, Gergely Benkő, and Sándor Baranya
Earth Surf. Dynam., 11, 1061–1095, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-1061-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-1061-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
A novel, artificial-intelligence-based riverbed sediment analysis methodology is introduced that uses underwater images to identify the characteristic sediment classes. The main novelties of the procedure are as follows: underwater images are used, the method enables continuous mapping of the riverbed along the measurement vessel’s route contrary to conventional techniques, the method is cost-efficient, and the method works without scaling.
Kelly M. Sanks, John B. Shaw, Samuel M. Zapp, José Silvestre, Ripul Dutt, and Kyle M. Straub
Earth Surf. Dynam., 11, 1035–1060, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-1035-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-1035-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
River deltas encompass many depositional environments (like channels and wetlands) that interact to produce coastal environments that change through time. The processes leading to sedimentation in wetlands are often neglected from physical delta models. We show that wetland sedimentation constrains flow to the channels, changes sedimentation rates, and produces channels more akin to field-scale deltas. These results have implications for the management of these vulnerable coastal landscapes.
Katharina Wetterauer and Dirk Scherler
Earth Surf. Dynam., 11, 1013–1033, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-1013-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-1013-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
In glacial landscapes, debris supply rates vary spatially and temporally. Rockwall erosion rates derived from cosmogenic 10Be concentrations in medial moraine debris at five Swiss glaciers around Pigne d'Arolla indicate an increase in erosion from the end of the Little Ice Age towards deglaciation but temporally more stable rates over the last ∼100 years. Rockwall erosion rates are higher where rockwalls are steep and north-facing, suggesting a potential slope and temperature control.
Sam Anderson, Nicole Gasparini, and Joel Johnson
Earth Surf. Dynam., 11, 995–1011, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-995-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-995-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
We measured rock strength and amount of fracturing in the two different rock types, sandstones and carbonates, in Last Chance Canyon, New Mexico, USA. Where there is more carbonate bedrock, hills and channels steepen in Last Chance Canyon. This is because the carbonate-type bedrock tends to be more thickly bedded, is less fractured, and is stronger. The carbonate bedrock produces larger boulders than the sandstone bedrock, which can protect the more fractured sandstone bedrock from erosion.
Jens M. Turowski, Gunnar Pruß, Anne Voigtländer, Andreas Ludwig, Angela Landgraf, Florian Kober, and Audrey Bonnelye
Earth Surf. Dynam., 11, 979–994, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-979-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-979-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Rivers can cut into rocks, and their strength modulates the river's erosion rates. Yet, which properties of the rock control its response to erosive action is poorly understood. Here, we describe parallel experiments to measure rock erosion rates under fluvial impact erosion and the rock's geotechnical properties such as fracture strength, elasticity, and density. Erosion rates vary over a factor of a million between different rock types. We use the data to improve current theory.
Koji Ohata, Hajime Naruse, and Norihiro Izumi
Earth Surf. Dynam., 11, 961–977, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-961-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-961-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
We investigated the influence of sediment transport modes on the formation of bedforms using theoretical analysis. The results of the theoretical analysis were verified with published data of plane beds obtained by fieldwork and laboratory experiments. We found that suspended sand particles can promote the formation of plane beds on a fine-grained bed, which suggests that the presence of suspended particles suppresses the development of dunes under submarine sediment-laden gravity currents.
Matan Ben-Asher, Florence Magnin, Sebastian Westermann, Josué Bock, Emmanuel Malet, Johan Berthet, Ludovic Ravanel, and Philip Deline
Earth Surf. Dynam., 11, 899–915, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-899-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-899-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Quantitative knowledge of water availability on high mountain rock slopes is very limited. We use a numerical model and field measurements to estimate the water balance at a steep rock wall site. We show that snowmelt is the main source of water at elevations >3600 m and that snowpack hydrology and sublimation are key factors. The new information presented here can be used to improve the understanding of thermal, hydrogeological, and mechanical processes on steep mountain rock slopes.
Jessica Droujko, Srividya Hariharan Sudha, Gabriel Singer, and Peter Molnar
Earth Surf. Dynam., 11, 881–897, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-881-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-881-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
We combined data from satellite images with data measured from a kayak in order to understand the propagation of fine sediment in the Vjosa River. We were able to find some storm-activated and some permanent sources of sediment. We also estimated how much fine sediment is carried into the Adriatic Sea by the Vjosa River: approximately 2.5 Mt per year, which matches previous findings. With our work, we hope to show the potential of open-access satellite images.
Kate C. P. Leary, Leah Tevis, and Mark Schmeeckle
Earth Surf. Dynam., 11, 835–847, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-835-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-835-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Despite the importance of bedforms (e.g., ripples, dunes) to sediment transport, the details of sediment transport on a sub-bedform scale are poorly understood. This paper investigates sediment transport in the downstream and cross-stream directions over bedforms with straight crests. We find that the patterns of bedload transport are highly variable on the sub-bedform scale, which is important for our understanding of the evolution of bedforms with complex crest geometries.
Paul A. Carling, John D. Jansen, Teng Su, Jane Lund Andersen, and Mads Faurschou Knudsen
Earth Surf. Dynam., 11, 817–833, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-817-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-817-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Many steep glaciated rock walls collapsed when the Ice Age ended. How ice supports a steep rock wall until the ice decays is poorly understood. A collapsed rock wall was surveyed in the field and numerically modelled. Cosmogenic exposure dates show it collapsed and became ice-free ca. 18 ka ago. The model showed that the rock wall failed very slowly because ice was buttressing the slope. Dating other collapsed rock walls can improve understanding of how and when the last Ice Age ended.
Paul A. Jarvis, Clement Narteau, Olivier Rozier, and Nathalie M. Vriend
Earth Surf. Dynam., 11, 803–815, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-803-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-803-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Sand dune migration velocity is inversely proportional to dune size. Consequently, smaller, faster dunes can collide with larger, slower downstream dunes. Such collisions can result in either coalescence or ejection, whereby the dunes exchange mass but remain separate. Our numerical simulations show that the outcome depends probabilistically on the dune size ratio, which we describe through an empirical function. Our numerical predictions compare favourably against experimental observations.
Adrian Ringenbach, Peter Bebi, Perry Bartelt, Andreas Rigling, Marc Christen, Yves Bühler, Andreas Stoffel, and Andrin Caviezel
Earth Surf. Dynam., 11, 779–801, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-779-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-779-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Swiss researchers carried out repeated rockfall experiments with rocks up to human sizes in a steep mountain forest. This study focuses mainly on the effects of the rock shape and lying deadwood. In forested areas, cubic-shaped rocks showed a longer mean runout distance than platy-shaped rocks. Deadwood especially reduced the runouts of these cubic rocks. The findings enrich standard practices in modern rockfall hazard zoning assessments and strongly urge the incorporation of rock shape effects.
Colin K. Bloom, Corinne Singeisen, Timothy Stahl, Andrew Howell, and Chris Massey
Earth Surf. Dynam., 11, 757–778, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-757-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-757-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Earthquakes can cause damaging coastal cliff retreat, but we have a limited understanding of how these infrequent events influence multidecadal retreat. This makes hazard planning a challenge. In this study, we use historic aerial images to measure coastal cliff-top retreat at a site in New Zealand. We find that earthquakes account for close to half of multidecadal retreat at this site, and our results have helped us to develop tools for estimating the influence of earthquakes at other sites.
Rishitosh K. Sinha, Dwijesh Ray, Tjalling De Haas, Susan J. Conway, and Axel Noblet
Earth Surf. Dynam., 11, 713–730, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-713-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-713-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Our detailed investigation of Martian gullies formed in different substrates in 29 craters distributed between 30°–75° S latitude suggests that they can be differentiated from one another in terms of (1) morphology and length of alcoves and (2) mean gradient of the gully fans. The comparison between the Melton ratio, alcove length, and fan gradient of Martian and terrestrial gullies suggests that Martian gullies were likely formed by terrestrial debris-flow-like processes in the past.
Christopher J. Skinner and Thomas J. Coulthard
Earth Surf. Dynam., 11, 695–711, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-695-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-695-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Landscape evolution models allow us to simulate the way the Earth's surface is shaped and help us to understand relevant processes, in turn helping us to manage landscapes better. The models typically represent the land surface using a grid of square cells of equal size, averaging heights in those squares. This study shows that the size chosen by the modeller for these grid cells is important, with larger sizes making sediment output events larger but less frequent.
Hossein Hosseiny, Claire C. Masteller, Jedidiah E. Dale, and Colin B. Phillips
Earth Surf. Dynam., 11, 681–693, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-681-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-11-681-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
It is of great importance to engineers and geomorphologists to predict the rate of bed load in rivers. In this contribution, we used a large dataset of measured data and developed an artificial neural network (ANN), a machine learning algorithm, for bed load prediction. The ANN model predicted the bed load flux close to measured values and better than the ones obtained from four standard bed load models with varying degrees of complexity.
Cited articles
Allstadt, K. E., Farin, M., Iverson, R. M., Obryk, M. K., Kean, J. W., Tsai,
V. C., Rapstine, T. D., and Logan, M.: Measuring Basal Force Fluctuations of
Debris Flows Using Seismic Recordings and Empirical Green's Functions, J.
Geophys. Res.-Earth Surf., 125, 9, https://doi.org/10.1029/2020JF005590, 2020.
Arattano, M. and Moia, F.: Monitoring the propagation of a debris flow along
a torrent, Hydrolog. Sci. J., 44, 811–823,
https://doi.org/10.1080/02626669909492275, 1999.
Arran, M. I., Mangeney, A., De Rosny, J., Farin, M., Toussaint, R., and
Roche, O.: Laboratory Landquakes: Insights From Experiments Into the
High-Frequency Seismic Signal Generated by Geophysical Granular Flows, J.
Geophys. Res.-Earth Surf., 126, 5, https://doi.org/10.1029/2021JF006172, 2021.
Asano, Y. and Uchida, T.: Detailed documentation of dynamic changes in flow
depth and surface velocity during a large flood in a steep mountain stream,
J. Hydrol., 541, 127–135, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2016.04.033, 2016.
Bacchi, V., Recking, A., Eckert, N., Frey, P., Piton, G., and Naaim, M.: The
effects of kinetic sorting on sediment mobility on steep slopes, Earth Surf.
Process. Landforms, 39, 1075–1086, https://doi.org/10.1002/esp.3564, 2014.
Badoux, A., Andres, N., and Turowski, J. M.: Damage costs due to bedload transport processes in Switzerland, Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 14, 279–294, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-14-279-2014, 2014.
Baer, P., Huggel, C., McArdell, B. W., and Frank, F.: Changing debris flow
activity after sudden sediment input: a case study from the Swiss Alps,
Geology Today, 33, 216–223, https://doi.org/10.1111/gto.12211, 2017.
Bakker, M., Gimbert, F., Geay, T., Misset, C., Zanker, S., and Recking, A.:
Field Application and Validation of a Seismic Bedload Transport Model, J.
Geophys. Res.-Earth Surf., 125, 5, https://doi.org/10.1029/2019JF005416, 2020.
Bathurst, J. C., Graf, W. H., and Cao, H. H.: Initiation of sediment
transport in steep channels with coarse bed material, in: Mechanics of
Sediment Transport, edited by: Sumer, B. M. and Müller, A., CRC Press,
207–213, https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003079019-27, 1983.
Benda, L. and Dunne, T.: Stochastic forcing of sediment routing and storage
in channel networks, Water Resour. Res., 33, 2865–2880,
https://doi.org/10.1029/97WR02387, 1997.
Berti, M., Genevois, R., Simoni, A., and Tecca, P. R.: Field observations of
a debris flow event in the Dolomites, Geomorphology, 29, 265–274,
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0169-555X(99)00018-5, 1999.
Bovis, M. J. and Jakob, M.: The role of debris supply conditions in
predicting debris flow activity, 16, 1039–1054, https://doi.org/10.1002/(sici)1096-9837(199910)24:11<1039::aid-esp29>3.0.co;2-u, 1999.
Brummer, C. J. and Montgomery, D. R.: Influence of coarse lag formation on
the mechanics of sediment pulse dispersion in a mountain stream, Squire
Creek, North Cascades, Washington, United States, Water Resour. Res., 42, 7,
https://doi.org/10.1029/2005WR004776, 2006.
Burtin, A., Hovius, N., and Turowski, J. M.: Seismic monitoring of torrential and fluvial processes, Earth Surf. Dynam., 4, 285–307, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-4-285-2016, 2016.
Casagli, N., Ermini, L., and Rosati, G.: Determining grain size distribution
of the material composing landslide dams in the Northern Apennines: sampling
and processing methods, Eng. Geol., 69, 83–97,
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0013-7952(02)00249-1, 2003.
Chassagne, R., Maurin, R., Chauchat, J., and Frey, P.: Mobility of
bidisperse mixtures during bedload transport, Phys. Rev. Fluids, 5, 114307,
https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevFluids.5.114307, 2020.
Cole, S. E., Cronin, S. J., Sherburn, S., and Manville, V.: Seismic signals
of snow-slurry lahars in motion: 25 September 2007, Mt Ruapehu, New Zealand,
Geophys. Res. Lett., 36, L09405, https://doi.org/10.1029/2009GL038030, 2009.
Comiti, F., Cadol, D., and Wohl, E.: Flow regimes, bed morphology, and flow
resistance in self-formed step-pool channels, Water Resour. Res., 45, 4,
https://doi.org/10.1029/2008WR007259, 2009.
Cook, K. L., Andermann, C., Gimbert, F., Adhikari, B. R., and Hovius, N.:
Glacial lake outburst floods as drivers of fluvial erosion in the Himalaya,
Science, 362, 53–57, https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aat4981, 2018.
Coviello, V., Arattano, M., Comiti, F., Macconi, P., and Marchi, L.: Seismic
Characterization of Debris Flows: Insights into Energy Radiation and
Implications for Warning, J. Geophys. Res.-Earth Surf., 124, 1440–1463,
https://doi.org/10.1029/2018JF004683, 2019.
Cui, Y. and Parker, G.: Numerical Model of Sediment Pulses and
Sediment-Supply Disturbances in Mountain Rivers, J. Hydraul. Eng., 131,
646–656, https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9429(2005)131:8(646), 2005.
Cui, Y., Parker, G., Lisle, T. E., Gott, J., Hansler-Ball, M. E., Pizzuto,
J. E., Allmendinger, N. E., and Reed, J. M.: Sediment pulses in mountain
rivers: 1. Experiments, Water Resour. Res., 39, 9,
https://doi.org/10.1029/2002WR001803, 2003.
Curran, J. C. and Wilcock, P. R.: Effect of Sand Supply on Transport Rates
in a Gravel-Bed Channel, J. Hydraul. Eng., 131, 961–967,
https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9429(2005)131:11(961), 2005.
Davies, T. R. and McSaveney, M. J.: The role of rock fragmentation in the
motion of large landslides, Engineering Geology, 109, 67–79,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2008.11.004, 2009.
Dudill, A., Lafaye de Micheaux, H., Frey, P., and Church, M.: Introducing
Finer Grains Into Bedload: The Transition to a New Equilibrium, J. Geophys. Res.-Earth Surf., 123, 2602–2619, https://doi.org/10.1029/2018JF004847,
2018.
Farin, M., Tsai, V. C., Lamb, M. P., and Allstadt, K. E.: A physical model
of the high-frequency seismic signal generated by debris flows, Earth Surf.
Process. Landforms, 44, 2529–2543, https://doi.org/10.1002/esp.4677, 2019.
Fontana, G. D. and Marchi, L.: Slope-area relationships and sediment
dynamics in two alpine streams, Hydrol. Process., 17, 73–87,
https://doi.org/10.1002/hyp.1115, 2003.
Frey, P. and Church, M.: How River Beds Move, Science, 325, 1509–1510,
https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1178516, 2009.
GDR MiDi: On dense granular flows, Eur. Phys. J. E., 14, 341–365,
https://doi.org/10.1140/epje/i2003-10153-0, 2004.
Gilbert, G. K.: The transportation of debris by running water, US Geologial
Survey, Washington, DC, 1914.
Gimbert, F., Tsai, V. C., and Lamb, M. P.: A physical model for seismic
noise generation by turbulent flow in rivers, J. Geophys. Res.-Earth Surf.,
119, 2209–2238, https://doi.org/10.1002/2014JF003201, 2014.
Gimbert, F., Fuller, B. M., Lamb, M. P., Tsai, V. C., and Johnson, J. P. L.:
Particle transport mechanics and induced seismic noise in steep flume
experiments with accelerometer-embedded tracers: Experimental Testing of
Seismic Noise Generated by Sediment Transport, Earth Surf. Process.
Landforms, 44, 219–241, https://doi.org/10.1002/esp.4495, 2019.
Govi, M., Maraga, F., and Moia, F.: Seismic detectors for continuous bed
load monitoring in a gravel stream, Hydrological Sciences Journal, 38,
123–132, https://doi.org/10.1080/02626669309492650, 1993.
Gregoretti, C. and Fontana, G. D.: The triggering of debris flow due to
channel-bed failure in some alpine headwater basins of the Dolomites:
analyses of critical runoff, Hydrol. Process., 22, 2248–2263,
https://doi.org/10.1002/hyp.6821, 2008.
Hu, W., Scaringi, G., Xu, Q., Pei, Z., Van Asch, T. W. J., and Hicher,
P.-Y.: Sensitivity of the initiation and runout of flowslides in loose
granular deposits to the content of small particles: An insight from flume
tests, Engineering Geology, 231, 34–44,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2017.10.001, 2017.
Hu, W., Scaringi, G., Xu, Q., and Huang, R.: Internal Erosion Controls
Failure and Runout of Loose Granular Deposits: Evidence From Flume Tests and
Implications for Postseismic Slope Healing, Geophys. Res. Lett., 45,
5518–5527, https://doi.org/10.1029/2018GL078030, 2018.
Imaizumi, F., Sidle, R. C., Tsuchiya, S., and Ohsaka, O.: Hydrogeomorphic
processes in a steep debris flow initiation zone: Hydrogeomorphology of
debris flow sites, Geophys. Res. Lett., 33, 10,
https://doi.org/10.1029/2006GL026250, 2006.
Iverson, R. M.: The physics of debris flows, Rev. Geophys., 35, 245–296,
https://doi.org/10.1029/97RG00426, 1997.
Iverson, R. M., Reid, M. E., and LaHusen, R. G.: Debris-flow mobilization
from landslides, Annu. Rev. Earth Planet. Sci., 25, 85–138,
https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.earth.25.1.85, 1997.
Kean, J. W., McCoy, S. W., Tucker, G. E., Staley, D. M., and Coe, J. A.:
Runoff generated debris flows: Observations and modeling of surge
initiation, magnitude, and frequency, J. Geophys. Res.-Earth, 118, 2190–2207, 2013.
Kean, J. W., Coe, J. A., Coviello, V., Smith, J. B., McCoy, S. W., and
Arattano, M.: Estimating rates of debris flow entrainment from ground
vibrations, Geophys. Res. Lett., 42, 6365–6372,
https://doi.org/10.1002/2015GL064811, 2015.
Lai, V. H., Tsai, V. C., Lamb, M. P., Ulizio, T. P., and Beer, A. R.: The
Seismic Signature of Debris Flows: Flow Mechanics and Early Warning at
Montecito, California, Geophys. Res. Lett., 45, 5528–5535,
https://doi.org/10.1029/2018GL077683, 2018.
Lai, Z., Vallejo, L. E., Zhou, W., Ma, G., Espitia, J. M., Caicedo, B., and
Chang, X.: Collapse of Granular Columns With Fractal Particle Size
Distribution: Implications for Understanding the Role of Small Particles in
Granular Flows, Geophys. Res. Lett., 44, 24,
https://doi.org/10.1002/2017GL075689, 2017.
Lamand, E., Piton, G., and Recking, A.: Hydrologie et hydraulique
torrentielle, étude d'un cas pratique: la Roize, hal-02605416, 89 pp., 2017.
Lamb, M. P., Dietrich, W. E., and Venditti, J. G.: Is the critical Shields
stress for incipient sediment motion dependent on channel-bed slope?, J.
Geophys. Res., 113, F02008, https://doi.org/10.1029/2007JF000831, 2008.
Lee, A. J. and Ferguson, R. I.: Velocity and flow resistance in step-pool
streams, Geomorphology, 46, 59–71,
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0169-555X(02)00054-5, 2002.
Lenzi, M. A., Mao, L., and Comiti, F.: Magnitude-frequency analysis of bed
load data in an Alpine boulder bed stream, Water Resour. Res., 40, 7,
https://doi.org/10.1029/2003WR002961, 2004.
Linares-Guerrero, E., Goujon, C., and Zenit, R.: Increased mobility of
bidisperse granular avalanches, J. Fluid Mech., 593, 475–504,
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022112007008932, 2007.
Lisle, T. E., Pizzuto, J. E., Ikeda, H., Iseya, F., and Kodama, Y.:
Evolution of a sediment wave in an experimental channel, Water Resour. Res.,
33, 1971–1981, https://doi.org/10.1029/97WR01180, 1997.
Loye, A., Jaboyedoff, M., Theule, J. I., and Liébault, F.: Headwater sediment dynamics in a debris flow catchment constrained by high-resolution topographic surveys, Earth Surf. Dynam., 4, 489–513, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-4-489-2016, 2016.
Mao, L. and Lenzi, M. A.: Sediment mobility and bedload transport conditions
in an alpine stream, Hydrol. Process., 21, 1882–1891,
https://doi.org/10.1002/hyp.6372, 2007.
Mao, L., Cavalli, M., Comiti, F., Marchi, L., Lenzi, M. A., and Arattano,
M.: Sediment transfer processes in two Alpine catchments of contrasting
morphological settings, J. Hydrol., 364, 88–98,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2008.10.021, 2009.
McCoy, S. W., Kean, J. W., Coe, J. A., Tucker, G. E., Staley, D. M., and
Wasklewicz, T. A.: Sediment entrainment by debris flows: In situ
measurements from the headwaters of a steep catchment, J. Geophys. Res.,
117, F03016, https://doi.org/10.1029/2011JF002278, 2012.
Parker, G., Paola, C., Whipple, K. X., and Mohrig, D.: Alluvial Fans Formed
by Channelized Fluvial and Sheet Flow. I: Theory, J. Hydraul.
Eng., 124, 985–995,
https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9429(1998)124:10(985), 1998.
Peakall, J., Ashworth, P., and Best, J.: Physical modelling in fluvial
geomorphology: principles, applications and unresolved issues, in: The
scientific nature of geomorphology: proceedings of the 27th Binghamton
Symposium in Geomorphology, John Wiley and Sons, Chichester, 221–253, ISBN 0 471 96811 0, 1996.
Phillips, J., Hogg, A., Kerswell, R., and Thomas, N.: Enhanced mobility of
granular mixtures of fine and coarse particles, Earth Planet. Sc. Lett., 246, 466–480, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2006.04.007, 2006.
Piantini, M., Gimbert, F., Bellot, H., and Recking, A.: Video 1: Storage
area with bidomal mixture, https://doi.org/10.5446/51666, 2021a.
Piantini, M., Gimbert, F., Bellot, H., and Recking, A.: Video 2: Storage
area with fine mixture, https://doi.org/10.5446/51981, 2021b.
Piantini, M., Gimbert, F., Bellot, H., and Recking, A.: Video 3: Storage
area with coarse mixture, https://doi.org/10.5446/51982, 2021c.
Piantini, M., Gimbert, F., Bellot, H., and Recking, A.: Video 4: Storage
area with bidomal mixture (low fraction of sand),
https://doi.org/10.5446/51984, 2021d.
Piantini, M., Gimbert, F., Bellot, H., and Recking, A.: Video 5: Sediment
flux during the supplementary experiment, https://doi.org/10.5446/51985,
2021e.
Piantini, M., Gimbert, F., Bellot, H., and Recking, A.: Video 6: Sediment
pulse during the main experiment, https://doi.org/10.5446/51986, 2021f.
Piantini, M., Gimbert, F., Bellot, H., and Recking, A.: Video 7: Solid
discharge peak during the main experiment, https://doi.org/10.5446/51987,
2021g.
Piantini, M., Gimbert, F., Bellot, H., and Recking, A.: Triggering and propagation of exogeneous sediment pulses in mountain channels: insights from flume experiments with seismic monitoring, Zenodo [data set], https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5552189, 2021h.
Piton, G.: Sediment transport control by check dams and open check dams in
Alpine torrents, Doctoral dissertation, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, IRSTEA, Centre
de Grenoble, 2016.
Piton, G. and Recking, A.: The concept of travelling bedload and its
consequences for bedload computation in mountain streams, Earth Surf.
Process. Landforms, 42, 1505–1519, https://doi.org/10.1002/esp.4105, 2017.
Prancevic, J. P. and Lamb, M. P.: Unraveling bed slope from relative
roughness in initial sediment motion: Relative roughness and incipient
motion, J. Geophys. Res.-Earth Surf., 120, 474–489,
https://doi.org/10.1002/2014JF003323, 2015.
Prancevic, J. P., Lamb, M. P., and Fuller, B. M.: Incipient sediment motion
across the river to debris-flow transition, 42, 191–194,
https://doi.org/10.1130/G34927.1, 2014.
Recking, A.: Theoretical development on the effects of changing flow
hydraulics on incipient bed load motion, Water Resour. Res., 45, 4,
https://doi.org/10.1029/2008WR006826, 2009.
Recking, A.: Influence of sediment supply on mountain streams bedload
transport, Geomorphology, 175–176, 139–150,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2012.07.005, 2012.
Recking, A.: Relations between bed recharge and magnitude of mountain
streams erosions, J. Hydro-environ. Res., 8, 143–152,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jher.2013.08.005, 2014.
Recking, A., Frey, P., Paquier, A., Belleudy, P., and Champagne, J. Y.:
Feedback between bed load transport and flow resistance in gravel and cobble
bed rivers, Water Resour. Res., 44, 5, https://doi.org/10.1029/2007WR006219,
2008.
Recking, A., Frey, P., Paquier, A., and Belleudy, P.: An experimental
investigation of mechanisms involved in bed load sheet production and
migration, J. Geophys. Res., 114, F03010,
https://doi.org/10.1029/2008JF000990, 2009.
Rickenmann, D. and Recking, A.: Evaluation of flow resistance in gravel-bed
rivers through a large field data set, Water Resour. Res., 47, 7,
https://doi.org/10.1029/2010WR009793, 2011.
Schneider, J. M., Turowski, J. M., Rickenmann, D., Hegglin, R., Arrigo, S.,
Mao, L., and Kirchner, J. W.: Scaling relationships between bed load
volumes, transport distances, and stream power in steep mountain channels:
Tracer Erlenbach, J. Geophys. Res.-Earth Surf., 119, 533–549,
https://doi.org/10.1002/2013JF002874, 2014.
Schneider, J. M., Rickenmann, D., Turowski, J. M., Schmid, B., and Kirchner,
J. W.: Bed load transport in a very steep mountain stream (Riedbach,
Switzerland): Measurement and prediction, Water Resour. Res., 52,
9522–9541, https://doi.org/10.1002/2016WR019308, 2016.
Schumm, S. A.: The fluvial system, Repr., Blackburn Press, Caldwell, NJ, 338
pp., ISNB 1 930 66579 2, 2003.
Sklar, L. S., Fadde, J., Venditti, J. G., Nelson, P., Wydzga, M. A., Cui,
Y., and Dietrich, W. E.: Translation and dispersion of sediment pulses in
flume experiments simulating gravel augmentation below dams, Water Resour.
Res., 45, 8, https://doi.org/10.1029/2008WR007346, 2009.
Sklar, L. S., Riebe, C. S., Marshall, J. A., Genetti, J., Leclere, S.,
Lukens, C. L., and Merces, V.: The problem of predicting the size
distribution of sediment supplied by hillslopes to rivers, Geomorphology,
277, 31–49, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2016.05.005, 2017.
Solari, L. and Parker, G.: The Curious Case of Mobility Reversal in Sediment
Mixtures, J. Hydraul. Eng., 126, 185–197,
https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9429(2000)126:3(185), 2000.
Stock, J. D. and Dietrich, W. E.: Erosion of steepland valleys by debris
flows, Geol. Soc. Am. Bull., 118, 1125–1148,
https://doi.org/10.1130/B25902.1, 2006.
Sutherland, D. G., Ball, M. H., Hilton, S. J., and Lisle, T. E.: Evolution
of a landslide-induced sediment wave in the Navarro River, California, 13, 1036–1048, https://doi.org/10.1130/0016-7606(2002)114<1036:EOALIS>2.0.CO;2, 2002.
Takahashi, T.: Debris flow: mechanics, prediction and countermeasures, CRC Press/Balkema, Boca Raton, Fla., 551 pp., ISBN 978 1 13 807367 8, 2014.
Tsai, V. C., Minchew, B., Lamb, M. P., and Ampuero, J.-P.: A physical model
for seismic noise generation from sediment transport in rivers, Geophys.
Res. Lett., 39, 2, https://doi.org/10.1029/2011GL050255, 2012.
Turowski, J. M., Yager, E. M., Badoux, A., Rickenmann, D., and Molnar, P.:
The impact of exceptional events on erosion, bedload transport and channel
stability in a step-pool channel, Earth Surf. Process. Landforms, 34,
1661–1673, https://doi.org/10.1002/esp.1855, 2009.
Welch, P.: The use of fast Fourier transform for the estimation of power
spectra: A method based on time averaging over short, modified periodograms,
IEEE Trans. Audio Electroacoust., 15, 70–73,
https://doi.org/10.1109/TAU.1967.1161901, 1967.
Wiberg, P. L. and Smith, J. D.: Velocity distribution and bed roughness in
high-gradient streams, Water Resour. Res., 27, 825–838,
https://doi.org/10.1029/90WR02770, 1991.
Wilcock, P. R., Kenworthy, S. T., and Crowe, J. C.: Experimental study of
the transport of mixed sand and gravel, Water Resour. Res., 37, 3349–3358,
https://doi.org/10.1029/2001WR000683, 2001.
Wohl, E. E.: Mountain rivers revisited, American Geophysical Union,
Washington, DC, 573 pp., ISBN 978 1 118 67168 9, 2010.
Wolcott, J.: Nonfluvial Control of Bimodal Grain-Size Distributions in
River-Bed Gravels, SEPM JSR, 58, 6,
https://doi.org/10.1306/212F8ED6-2B24-11D7-8648000102C1865D, 1988.
Zanuttigh, B. and Lamberti, A.: Instability and surge development in debris
flows, Rev. Geophys., 45, 3, https://doi.org/10.1029/2005RG000175,
2007.
Zhang, M. and McSaveney, M. J.: Rock avalanche deposits store quantitative
evidence on internal shear during runout: Avalanche Deposits Store Shear
Evidence, Geophys. Res. Lett., 44, 8814–8821,
https://doi.org/10.1002/2017GL073774, 2017.
Zhang, Z., Walter, F., McArdell, B. W., Wenner, M., Chmiel, M., de Haas, T.,
and He, S.: Insights From the Particle Impact Model Into the High-Frequency
Seismic Signature of Debris Flows, Geophys. Res. Lett., 48, 1,
https://doi.org/10.1029/2020GL088994, 2021.
Zimmermann, A., Church, M., and Hassan, M. A.: Step-pool stability: Testing
the jammed state hypothesis, J. Geophys. Res., 115, F02008,
https://doi.org/10.1029/2009JF001365, 2010.
Short summary
We carry out laboratory experiments to investigate the formation and propagation dynamics of exogenous sediment pulses in mountain rivers. We show that the ability of a self-formed deposit to destabilize and generate sediment pulses depends on the sand content of the mixture, while each pulse turns out to be formed by a front, a body, and a tail. Seismic measurements reveal a complex and non-unique dependency between seismic power and sediment pulse transport characteristics.
We carry out laboratory experiments to investigate the formation and propagation dynamics of...
