Variations in debris-flow occurrence in an Alpine catchment - A reconstruction based on tree rings
Bollschweiler M, Stoffel M

Type of Publication:
Reviewed Journal Article

Source:
Global and Planetary Change, 2010, V73, N3-4, SEP, pp 186-192 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.gloplacha.2010.05.006.

Abstract:
Past debris-flow activity in the Birchbach torrent (Swiss Alps) was assessed using tree-ring data. Based on the analysis of 210 Larix decidua and Picea abies, 50 events were reconstructed for the period AD 1752-2006. On average, 3.2 events per decade occurred in the torrent during the last century with distinct differences between the decades and a considerable decrease in the number of events during the last decade. Comparison with debris-flow reconstructions in neighboring catchments provided more insight in the similarities and differences in debris-flow occurrence. The recurrent debris-now activity and current geomorphic settings suggest that the occurrence of debris flows in the torrent is rather transport-limited than supply-limited. Therefore, future investigations on debris-flow occurrence in transport-limited basins should focus on triggering rainfall events.

URL: link

ProClim- Category:
1.5 Ocean/Fresh Water Systems

Discipline(s):
Hydrology , Geomorphology , Forestry

Main Keywords:
recent climatic change; heavy precipitation; canadian cordillera; rainfall intensity; shallow landslides; mountain regions; duration control; warmer climate; frequency; impacts

Author's Keywords:
debris flow; tree rings; growth disturbances; triggering; climatic change

Reprint from:
M Bollschweiler, Univ Bern, Dendrolab Ch, Lab Dendrogeomorphol, Inst Geol Sci, Baltzerstr 1 3, CH 3012 Bern, Switzerland ; Research Addresses: Michelle Bollschweiler: Univ Bern, Dendrolab Ch, Lab Dendrogeomorphol, Inst Geol Sci, CH 3012 Bern, Switzerland; Univ Geneva, Inst Environm Sci, CH 1227 Carouge, Switzerland ; Email: Michelle.bollschweiler@dendrolab.ch

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