Debris flow unstable movement and response to seismic signals in paleosedimentary basins

HUANG Feng1, 2, L Liqun1, MA Chao1, HOU Chengyou1, GAO Ziqi1, ZHU Guinan1

Journal of Vibration and Shock ›› 2025, Vol. 44 ›› Issue (6) : 223-230.

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Journal of Vibration and Shock ›› 2025, Vol. 44 ›› Issue (6) : 223-230.
EARTHQUAKE SCIENCE AND STRUCTURE SEISMIC RESILIENCE

Debris flow unstable movement and response to seismic signals in paleosedimentary basins

  • HUANG Feng1,2,L Liqun*1,MA Chao1,HOU Chengyou1,GAO Ziqi1,ZHU Guinan1
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Abstract

The incision of the Yellow River's has led to a decrease in the erosion base level of the Tongde Basin, causing it to transition from a sedimentary to an erosional area, and increasing the frequency of debris flow disasters. Monitoring the formation and movement process of debris flows is beneficial for ensuring the safety of the lives and properties of pastoralists in the valley bottom. Techniques such as the Band-Pass Filter (BP-filter), Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), and Power Spectral Density (PSD) analysis are employed to uncover the time-frequency attributes and energy distribution patterns of debris flow movements. The relationship between the dynamic parameters of debris flows and vibration signals is analyzed by combining monitoring devices such as video cameras, mud level meters, flow rate meters, and pressure sensors. The results indicate that the STA/LTA ratio can effectively respond to debris flow events, with significantly higher R values at the debris flow head compared to the debris flow body. During the occurrence of episodic flows, the STA/LTA ratio exhibits a sharp increase, with monitoring values preceding actual events. Power spectral density can reflect the unstable movement process of debris flows, with mid and high-frequency bands containing more dynamic information compared to low-frequency bands. Distinguishing between debris flows and flash floods based on a single energy threshold is not feasible, as the energy threshold is influenced by the addition of material from bank collapses during the unstable movement of debris flows. The response relationship between seismic signals and single movement parameters such as mud level, flow rate, and velocity of debris flows is poor, while the relationship with mass flow is the most robust.

Key words

Debris Flows / Tongde Basin / River Incision / Seismic Signals / Power Spectral Density

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HUANG Feng1, 2, L Liqun1, MA Chao1, HOU Chengyou1, GAO Ziqi1, ZHU Guinan1. Debris flow unstable movement and response to seismic signals in paleosedimentary basins[J]. Journal of Vibration and Shock, 2025, 44(6): 223-230

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