Rock Properties as Controls on Free‐face Debris Fall Activity
Abstract A free face composed of basalt flows showed, over a 72 week observation period, considerable variation in yield (kg or m 3 ) of fallen material. Yield peaks in spring and autumn were recorded but small contributions were made from all flows throughout the year. The incidence of frost action...
| Published in: | Permafrost and Periglacial Processes |
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| Main Authors: | , , |
| Format: | Article in Journal/Newspaper |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wiley
1991
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ppp.3430020406 https://api.wiley.com/onlinelibrary/tdm/v1/articles/10.1002%2Fppp.3430020406 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/ppp.3430020406 |
| Summary: | Abstract A free face composed of basalt flows showed, over a 72 week observation period, considerable variation in yield (kg or m 3 ) of fallen material. Yield peaks in spring and autumn were recorded but small contributions were made from all flows throughout the year. The incidence of frost action cannot account for all of the yield peaks. An explanation of free‐face weathering can best be given by taking the microcrack crack system into account in relation to some simple rock properties. Although there are several factors involved, microcrack density and coefficient of loosening are useful indicators of flow behaviour. An explanation of rock removal which takes material properties into account as well as environmental or climatic conditions is to be preferred and can be applied as a general model for all climates. |
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