Grain-size segregation and levee formation in geophysical mass flows

• Published in: Journal of Geophysical Research: Earth Surface Vol. 117; no. F1
• Main Authors: Johnson, C. G., Kokelaar, B. P., Iverson, R. M., Logan, M., LaHusen, R. G., Gray, J. M. N. T.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington, DC Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.03.2012; American Geophysical Union
• Subjects: Accretion; avalanche; Debris flow; deposit; Earth sciences; Earth, ocean, space; Exact sciences and technology; Grading; Gravel; Hydrology; Landslides & mudslides; Levees; Particle size; segregation; Surface velocity; Volcanoes; experimental studies; models; Particle size; pebbles; shear; tracers; sampling; debris flows; Velocity distribution; transport; Seeding; Modeling; trajectory; grains; gravel; accretion; sand; grain size; materials; flumes; segregation; flow; Mass flow

Data from large‐scale debris‐flow experiments are combined with modeling of particle‐size segregation to explain the formation of lateral levees enriched in coarse grains. The experimental flows consisted of 10 m3 of water‐saturated sand and gravel, which traveled ∼80 m down a steeply inclined flume...