Unraveling driving factors for large rock–ice avalanche mobility

Schneider, Daniel; Huggel, Christian; Haeberli, Wilfried; Kaitna, Roland

doi:10.1002/esp.2218

Cited by 144 publications

(134 citation statements)

References 122 publications

(194 reference statements)

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“…Ice-rock avalanches were similarly simulated with high ξ parameters, but much lower µ values, consistent for DAN3D and RAMMS. This parameter space may reflect lower friction of the ice and the presence of porewater due to melting of the ice (Schneider et al, 2011). The parameter space shown for snow avalanches are suggested values (Bartelt et al, 2013a), based on experience of back-calculated observed snow avalanches.…”

Section: Ramms-df Dan3dmentioning

confidence: 99%

Modeling debris-flow runout patterns on two alpine fans with different dynamic simulation models

Schraml

Thomschitz

McArdell

et al. 2015

Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci.

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Abstract. Predicting potential deposition areas of future debris-flow events is important for engineering hazard assessment in alpine regions. To this end, numerical simulation models are commonly used tools. However, knowledge of appropriate model parameters is essential but often not available. In this study we use two numerical simulation models, RAMMS-DF (rapid mass movement system-debris-flow) and DAN3D (dynamic analysis of landslides in three dimensions), to back-calculate two well-documented debris-flow events in Austria and to compare the range and sensitivity of input parameters for the Voellmy flow model. All simulations are based on the same digital elevation models and similar boundary conditions. Our results show that observed deposition patterns are best matched with a parameter set of µ [-] and ξ [m s −2 ], ranging between 0.07 to 0.11 and 200 to 300 m s −2 , respectively, for RAMMS-DF, and between 0.07 to 0.08 and 300 to 400 m s −2 , respectively, for DAN3D. Sensitivity analysis shows a higher sensitivity of model parameters for the DAN3D model than for the RAMMS-DF model. This contributes to the evaluation of realistic model parameters for simulation of debris-flows in steep mountain catchments and highlights the sensitivity of the models.

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Section: Ramms-df Dan3dmentioning

confidence: 99%

Modeling debris-flow runout patterns on two alpine fans with different dynamic simulation models

Schraml

Thomschitz

McArdell

et al. 2015

Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci.

Self Cite

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“…This can be further extended due to the influence of ice contained in the moving mass or the trajectory running over glacier ice (Schneider et al, 2011). Furthermore, landslides in mountain environments are typically complex, i.e.…”

Section: Persistence and Impacts Of Permafrost Thaw In The Hkhmentioning

confidence: 99%

Review article: Inferring permafrost and permafrost thaw in the mountains of the Hindu Kush Himalaya region

et al. 2017

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Abstract. The cryosphere reacts sensitively to climate change, as evidenced by the widespread retreat of mountain glaciers. Subsurface ice contained in permafrost is similarly affected by climate change, causing persistent impacts on natural and human systems. In contrast to glaciers, permafrost is not observable spatially and therefore its presence and possible changes are frequently overlooked. Correspondingly, little is known about permafrost in the mountains of the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region, despite permafrost area exceeding that of glaciers in nearly all countries. Based on evidence and insight gained mostly in other permafrost areas globally, this review provides a synopsis on what is known or can be inferred about permafrost in the mountains of the HKH region. Given the extreme nature of the environment concerned, it is to be expected that the diversity of conditions and phenomena encountered in permafrost exceed what has previously been described and investigated. We further argue that climate change in concert with increasing development will bring about diverse permafrost-related impacts on vegetation, water quality, geohazards, and livelihoods. To better anticipate and mitigate these effects, a deepened understanding of high-elevation permafrost in subtropical latitudes as well as the pathways interconnecting environmental changes and human livelihoods are needed.

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“…Furthermore, climate change is exacerbating glacial retreat and mass loss, making a major avalanche event more likely (Schneider et al, 2011). In the Mount Everest region alone (Figure 1), glacier-wide mass loss averages around 0.52 m w.e.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Modeling the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood Process Chain in the Nepal Himalaya: Reassessing Imja Tsho's Hazard

Lala¹,

Rounce²,

McKinney³

2017

Preprint

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Abstract. The Himalayas of South Asia are home to many glaciers that are retreating due to climate change and causing the formation of large glacial lakes in their absence. These lakes are held in place by naturally deposited moraine dams that are potentially unstable. Specifically, an impulse wave generated by an avalanche or landslide entering the lake can destabilize 10 the moraine dam, thereby causing a catastrophic failure of the moraine and a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF). ImjaLhotse Shar glacier is amongst the glaciers experiencing the highest rate of mass loss in the Mount Everest region, which has contributed to the expansion of Imja Tsho. A GLOF from this lake may have the potential to cause catastrophic damage to downstream villages, threatening both property and human life. Therefore, it is essential to understand the processes that could trigger a flood and quantify the potential downstream impacts. The avalanche-induced GLOF process chain was 15 modeled using the output of one component of the chain as input to the next. First, the volume and momentum of various avalanches entering the lake were calculated using RAMMS. Next, the avalanche-induced waves were simulated using BASEMENT and validated with empirical equations to ensure the proper transfer of momentum from the avalanche to the lake. With BASEMENT, the ensuing moraine erosion and downstream flooding was modeled, which was used to generate hazard maps downstream. Moraine erosion was calculated for two geomorphologic models: one site-specific using field 20 data and another worst-case based on past literature that is applicable to lakes in the greater region. Neither case resulted in flooding outside the river channel at downstream villages. The worst-case model resulted in some moraine erosion and increased channelization of the lake outlet, which yielded greater discharge downstream but no catastrophic collapse. The site-specific model generated similar results, but with very little erosion and a smaller downstream discharge. These results indicated that Imja Tsho is unlikely to produce a catastrophic GLOF due to an avalanche in the near future, although some 25 hazard exists within the downstream river channel, necessitating continued monitoring of the lake. Furthermore, these models were designed for ease and flexibility so that they can be adopted by a wide range of stakeholders and appropriated for other lakes in the region.Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci. Discuss., https://doi

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Unraveling driving factors for large rock–ice avalanche mobility

Cited by 144 publications

References 122 publications

Modeling debris-flow runout patterns on two alpine fans with different dynamic simulation models

Modeling debris-flow runout patterns on two alpine fans with different dynamic simulation models

Review article: Inferring permafrost and permafrost thaw in the mountains of the Hindu Kush Himalaya region

Modeling the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood Process Chain in the Nepal Himalaya: Reassessing Imja Tsho's Hazard

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