Subaerial sediment-water flows on hillslopes

Abstract

Subaerial sediment-water flows on hillslopes have received growing attention from the scientific community in recent years. Interest in this type of geomorphic process is twofold: they constitute a major risk factor and they have generally been poorly defined in the past. Major classification schemes are considered here, with a particular interest in criteria for discriminating between various subaerial flow type processes. Identification techniques from various fields (morphometry, rheology, geomorphology, sedimentology) are reviewed. Recent accounts of flow processes as part of a continuum of processes as opposed to belonging to distinct categories are discussed. It is proposed that process identification include information drawn from various methods in order to minimize identification error, given that correct identification is essential to appropriate hazard assessment and mitigation measures.