Physical modelling of the destruction of reservoir ground dam in consequence of the overflow of water body

The destruction of ground dams, of natural and artificial origin, is caused by certain critical conditions. The main reasons for this are the overflow of water over the crest of a dam, the filtration of water through its body, or mechanical destruction. The processes of destruction of ground dams of moraine lakes are very frequent phenomena for mountain regions and can often occur there. In addition, the outburst of ground dams can take place under the thickness of the cover and mountain glaciers that leads to the formation of the subglacial hydrographic drainage system. Because of the dam destruction, outburst floods, which are accompanied by significant destruction and even human losses, are formed. Considering that, it is extremely difficult and unsafe to investigate the outburst process directly at the time of its natural occurrence, the researchers turn to alternative methods, like physical modeling. In this paper, the results of physical modeling of the outburst of the moraine model reservoir are presented. The experiment was carried out near the coastline of the outburst glacier lake Bashkara (Central Caucasus, Elbrus Region, Russia). Therefore, the artificial dam, consisting of material of moraines surrounding the lake, was created. This leads to a possibility to recreate the experimental conditions closest to natural. During the research photography and video filming of the outburst of the model reservoir were carried out. The results of physical modeling are in complete agreement with previously published data of outburst of ground dams and do not contradict with the physical essence of the process.