Long-runout rockfalls

Abstract

Research Article| September 01, 1998 Long-runout rockfalls W. Brian Dade; W. Brian Dade 1Institute of Theoretical Geophysics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EQ, England Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Herbert E. Huppert Herbert E. Huppert 1Institute of Theoretical Geophysics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EQ, England Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Geology (1998) 26 (9): 803–806. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1998)026<0803:LRR>2.3.CO;2 Article history first online: 02 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Twitter LinkedIn Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation W. Brian Dade, Herbert E. Huppert; Long-runout rockfalls. Geology 1998;; 26 (9): 803–806. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1998)026<0803:LRR>2.3.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract Large rockfalls and debris avalanches constitute spectacular geologic hazards. A physical basis for the prediction of the extent of runout of such transport events has remained elusive. We consider the simplest case in which a mass M of debris and loose rock, having fallen from a height H, is subjected to a constant, overall resisting shear stress τ during runout. A prediction for such behavior is that the area overrun by an avalanche is proportional to (gMH/τ)2/3, where the coefficient of proportionality is near unity and a function of the geometry of the "footprint" of the avalanche deposit. This scaling results in a good collapse of the data for a wide range of terrestrial and extraterrestrial phenomena and implies a value of τ in the range 10–100 kPa. Such shear stress values are comparable to measures of the yield strength of unconfined, dry debris obtained by other means. The approach developed here does not give a detailed description of rockfall motion, but provides new insight for attempts to delineate the mechanisms that contribute to the mobility of rockfalls and other densely concentrated flows of geophysical interest. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.