A conceptual model for block-and-ash flow basal avalanche transport and deposition, based on deposit architecture of 1998 and 1994 Merapi flows

The 1998 block-and-ash flow (BAF) deposits on the western flanks of Merapi were described both immediately following emplacement, and after one and two wet seasons of erosion. This afforded a unique combination of data on deposit morphology and internal structure from proximal to distal reaches. The deposits of the basal avalanches from individual BAF events were classified into three major and two minor facies in channelised reaches, primarily resulting from effects of channel confinement and slope. Termination reaches were classified into three facies, related to preevent topography. The deposit facies architecture was interpreted to understand particle transport and deposition within the framework of granular flow systematics. The transport model we propose for these basal avalanches involves unsteady flow conditions, generated by pulses of collapse as the source, and/or by development of kinetic waves during the granular flow. The coarsest clasts along with low-density material migrated to the wave/pulse fronts within these flows. Whereas, in bulk flow, grain dispersive pressures and kinetic sieving result in coarsest clasts being buoyed to the flow top, with this tendency being greatest on higher slopes (=greater kinetic energy) and with greater flow confinement (maximising particle collisions). Deposition begins as the flow reaches near its full extent. An initial pulse or flow wave freezes rapidly from its base upward and its rear forward as it looses kinetic energy and dispersive pressure, such that an upper higher energy part of the flow is still able to move downstream over the frozen base. Later waves or pulses then accrete progressively horizontally upslope banking up onto or overtopping earlier deposited sediment. Hence, the overall flow freezes from its front to its tail. At termination reaches in unconfined areas, the overflowing upper part of flow gradually deposits from its base upward, resulting in a slightly tapering sheet formed deposit, marked by a front made up of wood fragments and large boulders. On sudden slope breaks in termination areas, piling up of sediment occurs in flat reaches, producing whaleback type forms as the flows rapidly lost competence. One implication of this model is that each kinetic wave or flow-pulse crest developed within the basal avalanche represents a portion of greater flow depth (or stage height). Hence, development of these crests control the ability of parts of the basal avalanche to escape from confined channels and generate unexpected hazards. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.