Analysis of the ground vibration generated by debris flows and other torrential processes at the Rebaixader monitoring site (Central Pyrenees, Spain)

Monitoring of debris flows using ground vibration sensors has increased in the last two decades. However, the correct interpretation of the signals still presents ambiguity. In the Rebaixader monitoring site (Central Pyrenees, Spain) two different ground vibration stations are installed. At the first station the ground velocity signal is transformed into an impulses-per-second signal (low frequency, 1 Hz). The analysis of the data recorded at this station show that the shape of the impulses signal is one of the key parameters to describe the evolution of the event. At the second station the ground velocity signal is directly recorded at high frequency (250 Hz). The results achieved at this station show that the differences in time series and spectral analysis are helpful to describe the temporal evolution of the events. In addition, some general outcomes were obtained: the attenuation of the signal with the distance has been identified as linear to exponential; and the assembly of the geophones to the terrain has an important effect on the amplification of the signal. All these results highlight that the definition of ground vibration thresholds for debris-flow detection or warning purposes is a difficult task; and that influence of site-specific conditions is notable

Towards a standard typology of endogenous landslide seismic sources

The objective of this work is to propose a standard classification of seismic signals generated by gravitational processes and detected at close distances (&lt;1&thinsp;km). We review the studies where seismic instruments have been installed on unstable slopes and discuss the choice of the seismic instruments and the network geometries. Seismic observations acquired at 13 unstable slopes are analyzed in order to construct the proposed typology. The selected slopes are affected by various landslide types (slide, fall, topple and flow) triggered in various material (from unconsolidated soils to consolidated rocks). We investigate high-frequency bands (&gt;1&thinsp;Hz) where most of the seismic energy is recorded at the 1&thinsp;km sensor to source distances. Several signal properties (duration, spectral content and spectrogram shape) are used to describe the sources. We observe that similar gravitational processes generate similar signals at different slopes. Three main classes can be differentiated mainly from the length of the signals, the number of peaks and the duration of the autocorrelation. The classes are the “slopequake” class, which corresponds to sources potentially occurring within the landslide body; the “rockfall” class, which corresponds to signals generated by rock block impacts; and the “granular flow” class, which corresponds to signals generated by wet or dry debris/rock flows. Subclasses are further proposed to differentiate specific signal properties (frequency content, resonance, precursory signal). The signal properties of each class and subclass are described and several signals of the same class recorded at different slopes are presented. Their potential origins are discussed. The typology aims to serve as a standard for further comparisons of the endogenous microseismicity recorded on landslides.</p

Analysis of the correlation between strength and fractal dimension of gravelly soil in debris-flow source areas

peer-reviewedParticle size distribution of gravelly soil plays a crucial role in debris flow initiation. For better understanding the mechanism of debris flow formation, two crucial mechanical property parameters of the gravelly soil are required to be studied meticulously: hydraulic conductivity and strength. With the aim of measuring the composition of the gravelly soil, 182 soil samples were taken from debris flow prone areas. With the aid of a sieve test, the particle size distribution of the samples can be obtained and analyzed. Then fractal theory was employed to compute the fractal dimension of the soil samples. By analyzing the results of sieve test (particle size distribution curves) and the results of the fractal theory calculations, the relationship between fractal dimension and particle size distribution can be explored. The results illustrate that the particle compositions of the gravelly soil tends to remain uniform as the fractal dimension increases. Moreover, as the coarse particle content increases, the fractal dimension decreases. To better understand the formation mechanism of debris flows, direct shear tests were conducted. Subsequently the experimental results were analyzed. By analysis, the following conclusions can be drawn: the soil strength decreases as the fractal dimension increases, and for soils with lower moisture content and identical dry density, a linear relationship between fractal dimension and cohesion force was identified. Moreover, cohesion force and internal friction force both decrease as the fractal dimension increases, but the internal friction angle decreases slightly while the cohesion force decreases greatly. Therefore we concluded that soil strength decreased mainly due to the reduction in cohesion force.PUBLISHEDpeer-reviewe

Estimación de la Magnitud de Procesos Torrenciales Mediante Diferentes Técnicas Geomáticas. Aplicación a la Cuenca el Rebaixader (Pirineo Central)

Los procesos torrenciales como corrientes de derrubios o flujos hiperconcentrados pueden cambiar fuertemente la morfología de una cuenca vertiente, y las técnicas geomáticas son una herramienta ideal para determinar y cuantificar estos cambios topográficos. En la cuenca torrencial El Rebaixader se han aplicado láser escáner terrestre de larga distancia (TLS) y fotogrametría para crear diferentes modelos digitales de elevaciones, que se han comparado posteriormente entre ellos y con otros modelos existentes (por ejemplo mediante láser escáner aerotransportado). Las primeras experiencias de TLS indican que esta técnica, que se ha aplicado con éxito en macizos rocosos para desprendimientos, es más difícil de utilizar en una cuenca vertiente donde afecta considerablemente la vegetación y las superficies irregulares e húmedas. Por otra parte, la fotogrametría ha podido aplicar sin grandes problemas. Finalmente, se ha podido estimar una tasa de erosión de aproximadamente 15000 m3 por año entre 1975 y 2012, que coincide bien con los datos medidos entre 2009 y 2012 en la auscultación in-situ.El presente trabajo ha sido subvencionado por los proyectos nacionales DEBRIS-CATCH y DEBRISTART (CGL2008-00299/BTE and CGL2011-23300).Peer Reviewe

Multi-Technique Analysis and Landscape Evolution: Implications for Landslide-Fluvial Cascading Hazards Assessment

The interaction between slope instability processes and river dynamics often triggers a cascade effect. Sediment influx from slopes can obstruct rivers, leading to upstream flooding and potential catastrophic flash floods downstream upon dam breakage. In addition, the incision of the drainage network steepens the valley hillslopes, further exacerbating slope instability processes, modifying the geomorphology and the sedimentary fluxes and increasing the occurrence of landslide-derived hazards. In this regard, a comprehensive and updated landslide inventory, especially focusing on the interconnection between landslides and drainage networks, is crucial for effective hazard assessment considering these cascading effects induced by slope and fluvial processes. This study presents advancements in landslide mapping by integrating data from Multi-Temporal Synthetic Aperture Radar (MT-InSAR) and landscape evolution analysis through geomorphological indices such as Chi, Normalized Channel Steepness Index (Ksn) and Stream Length-Gradient Index (SL). Identification of anomalies along rivers using Ksn and SL (knickpoints or knickzones) aided in pinpointing abnormal slopes due to sediment influx from landslides. Additionally, active areas were delineated using the ADAfinder tool, extracting data from MT-InSAR provided by the European Ground Motion Service (EGMS). This multi-technique analysis highlighted the slopes of interest. Landslides identified with these techniques were delimited and characterized in terms of type assignment, using 2x2 m DTM hillshades derived from airborne LiDAR data and field observations. The upper catchments of the Garona and Noguera Pallaresa rivers (central Pyrenees-NE Spain) were selected as study cases. The study highlights the disequilibrium in the watershed divide between Noguera Pallaresa and Garona basins, suggesting a transition toward equilibrium favouring a main divide migration towards the Noguera Pallaresa due to hillslope processes. The assessment of the equilibrium profile geometry of the Noguera Pallaresa river at a regional scale suggests at least two main knickpoints. The river sections downstream of the knickpoints are associated with landslides triggered by post-glacial dynamics and incision wave effects. Combining SL and Ksn curves with Active Deformation Areas (ADA) underscores areas with potentially reactivating deep-seated landslides, signifying potential high damages in case of low-probability but catastrophic reactivations. In conclusion, the integration of diverse methodologies shed light on the spatial relationship between transient features in the landscape (knickpoints) and landslide occurrence, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to mitigate landslide and fluvial risks in the Noguera Pallaresa and Garona river basins