Field and laboratory study on the deposition features of a debris flow

The main features of a real debris flow can be inferred from field investigations and laboratory tests. The study takes into account data collected at the Acquabona debris flow catchment (Dolomites, Italy), where a debris flow monitoring system has been installed since 1997. Experimental tests of the deposition process have been carried out by means of a small flume, using mixtures of the natural debris flow material coming from the Acquabona catchment with different water contents. Through a comparison between the main deposition features as resulting from the laboratory tests and those of a debris flow deposit at field scale, this work implies the possibility to predict the main deposition angle which is an important parameter in debris flow counter measures designing, particularly of deposition basins.