Flow Regimes in Debris Flow

Summary

The Bingham model has been suggested for the rheological behaviour of debris flow. Velocity plotted against yield strength uniquely defines turbulent and laminar flow in published experimental data on flow of Bingham materials. These regimes are not defined by a unique value of the Bingham number even though it includes both of the critical parameters, yield strength and velocity. Laminar flow in at least the final stages natural debris flows is suggested by sediments with parallel-to-flow or inclined clast fabric, preservation of delicate clasts, blocks projecting from the top of the deposit(?), and an absence of flutes.