Erosion and Deposition by Debris Flows in Mountainous Channels on North Fork Mountain, Eastern West Virginia

by Daniel A. Cenderelli,
J. Steven Kite,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Hydraulic Engineering

Abstract:

A study of four debris-flow impacted channels in the North Fork Mountain area of eastern West Virginia shows that the geomorphic effect of debris flows on channel morphology is variable in different reaches impacted by the debris flow. Erosion is the dominant geomorphic process in the upper two-thirds of the debris-flow track, whereas deposition dominates the lower one-third. The geomorphic effect of the debris-flow event extends beyond the terminus of the debris flow as 20 to 40 percent of the sediment generated by the debris flow is incorporated into floodwaters immediately downstream of the terminus. This influx of sediment increased the erosiveness of the floodwaters, which in turn caused intense scouring.

Subject Headings: Solids flow | Debris | Mountains | Erosion | Channels (waterway) | Floods | Channel flow | West Virginia

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