CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Cavers, S.C.
Date : 2003.
Title : Groundwater blow-off and piping debris flow failures.
Publication : 3rd Canadian Conference on Geotechnique and Natural Hazards. Sheraton Hotel. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. June 9 and 10, 2003.
Issue :
Page(s) :
Abstract
Groundwater blow-off failures occur on slopes as a result of high groundwater pressures and high groundwater storage in bedded sediments combined with restricted drainage that results from the development of surface soils and vegetation or sometimes freezing of the surface. Failure occurs when the pressures increase to the point where local effective stress is close to zero. The surface layer is blown-off over a local area and rapid drainage of the stored groundwater results in piping. As the failure retrogresses, a characteristic amphitheater shaped depression is formed. As the mixture of soil, vegetation and water runs downslope, a debris flow often occurs and a gully may be eroded. This failure mode is common throughout western Canada and in other areas where high precipitation and bedded sediments occur, but has often gone unrecognized. The failures often occur cyclically as a result of subsequent soil and vegetation development over the failure. Groundwater drainage is the key to reducing the potential for future events and has been successfully used to reduce the chances of failures affecting pipelines, roads and gravel mines.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology