The distinctive attributes of debris torrents

Abstract

The term debris torrent was introduced in North America's Pacific Northwest region to describe coarse-grained, rapid channelized flows rich in organic debris. Environmental conditions favouring their occurrence and distinctive criteria for recognition of debris torrents are discussed. A classification of gravitational and fluvial sediment transporting processes is presented as a framework for papers presented at the Debris Torrent Workshop 6a held in Vancouver in August, 1987.