Open AccessSavage‐Hutter model for avalanche dynamics in inclined channels: Analytical solutions
Author(s) -
Zahibo Narcisse,
Pelinovsky Efim,
Talipova Tatiana,
Nikolkina Irina
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
journal of geophysical research: solid earth
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.67
H-Index - 298
eISSN - 2156-2202
pISSN - 0148-0227
DOI - 10.1029/2009jb006515
Subject(s) - nonlinear system , inclined plane , mechanics , physics , landslide , geology , underwater , dynamics (music) , classical mechanics , geometry , geotechnical engineering , mathematics , quantum mechanics , oceanography , acoustics
The Savage‐Hutter model is applied to describe gravity driven shallow water flows in inclined channels of parabolic‐like shapes modeling avalanches moving in mountain valleys or landslide motions in underwater canyons. The Coulomb (sliding) friction term is included in the model. Several analytical solutions describing the nonlinear dynamics of avalanches are obtained: the nonlinear deformed (Riemann) wave, the dam break problem, self‐similar solutions and others. Some of them extend the known solution for an inclined plate (one‐dimensional geometry). The cross‐section shape of the inclined channels significantly influences the speed of avalanche propagation and characteristic time of dynamical processes. Obtained analytical solutions can be used to test numerical models and to give insights into the structure of avalanche flow and to highlight basic mechanisms of avalanche dynamics.