On the frontal dynamics and morphology of submarine debris flows

Several submarine debris flows show an apparently chaotic frontal part with blocks of variable size (from roughly tens to some hundreds of metres) located some distance beyond the front of the main deposits. This outrunner phenomenon was studied both in the field and in laboratory experiments. Depositional patterns in a field case (Finneidfjord, northern Norway) are classified from the outer distal part of the debris flow to the outermost outrunner block. Similar patterns were found in experimental debris flows, and we suggest that flow processes in the laboratory are applicable to the field example. Theoretical investigations are applied to assess frontal dynamics and especially the formation and motion of outrunner blocks. As the front of the debris flow pushes through ambient water, a combination of front pressure and lift force allows for intrusion of a water layer underneath the front (hydroplaning). This water layer reduces basal friction and induces tensile stresses farther behind the front, leading to a possible detachment and decoupling with respect to the main slide body. These outrunner blocks show an increased mobility compared to the main slide body and deposition of such blocks may occur far away from the main slide body. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.