Characterization of Stream, Hyperconcentrated and Debris Flows from Seismic Signals: Insights into Sediment Transport Mechanisms and Flow Dynamics

Abstract

Sediments in steep channels can be mobilized to form stream flows, hyperconcentrated flows and debris flows, which can cause damage to downstream communities. However, the understanding of the sediment‐transport mechanisms that control these processes remains incomplete due to the lack of effective monitoring methods. In this study, we utilize seismic data captured during these sediment‐laden flows through field experiments and in situ monitoring to offer insights into flow mechanics and sediment transport mechanisms. Results show that sediment transport in stream flows and hyperconcentrated flows is primarily supported by viscous shear and turbulent stresses, whereas grain collisional stresses play a significant role in debris‐flow dynamics. By characterizing impact rates, basal impulses and flow discharge, seismic monitoring can reveal the internal flow dynamics and bulk flow characteristics as well as the characteristics of sediment transport. Increasing solid concentrations can elicit positive nonlinearities in the frequency‐based scaling relationships between seismic power and hydrographs, indicating transitions in the seismic signal from turbulence‐bedload‐dominated to bedload‐dominated, and grain collisional‐dominated regimes. By introducing the ratio of the real shear stress to the critical shear stress, we refined the phase space for sediment stability. Combining this criterion with the absolute seismic power enables us to establish ground‐motion thresholds for distinguishing different flow types. Our results highlight opportunities to use seismic data for the quantitative inversion of these fluvial processes and debris flows as well as early warning strategies.