Publication Date:
2019
Description:
〈span〉Between 2003 and 2013, drought, large wildfires, and record-breaking rainfall contributed to debris flows in southeast Australia that appear to be unprecedented in spatial extent and density in historical records. Here, we used a debris-flow inventory from this period of dry and wet extremes to examine the processes and climatic controls underlying the region-wide debris-flow response. Results reveal shallow landslides and surface runoff as two distinct initiation mechanisms, linked to different geologic settings and contrasting hydroclimatic conditions. Landslide-generated debris flows occurred in sandy soils, independent of past fires, and were tightly controlled by extreme rainfall causing saturation and mass failure during La Niña periods. In contrast, runoff-generated debris flows occurred in clay-rich soils from short and intense rainstorms after wildfires in dry conditions, often associated with El Niño. Thus, it appears that both ends of the wet and dry climate extremes produce the same general geomorphic response, debris flows, but in different areas and by different initiation processes. Debris-flow activity is therefore at a maximum when amplitude and frequency of climate oscillations are large. Debris flows in southeast Australia are likely to become more frequent and widespread as wildfire activity and rainfall intensity are predicted to increase.〈/span〉
Print ISSN:
0091-7613
Electronic ISSN:
1943-2682
Topics:
Geosciences
