Seismic and Geomorphic Characterization of Mass Wasting Events Associated with the 2017 Brian Head Fire

Flash floods and debris flows are among the most important geomorphic agents in rugged topographic terrain. They are particularly common after wildfire has denuded hill slopes of vegetation. Unfortunately, flash floods and debris flows are very rapid and often difficult to observe directly particularly when they occur in remote areas. In recent years, efforts have been made to characterize the size and intensity of flash floods and debris flows with high frequency seismic data. The proposed pilot project will deploy modest seismic instrumentation in areas of the 2017 Brian Head fire of south-central Utah determined to be most prone to flash flooding and debris flow movement during the peak 2017 monsoon season.

山洪与泥石流是崎岖地形中最为重要的地貌营力之一。此类灾害在野火剥蚀山坡植被后尤为频发。遗憾的是，山洪与泥石流发生速度极快，且往往难以直接观测，尤其是在偏远区域发生时。近年来，学界已尝试借助高频地震数据表征山洪与泥石流的规模与强度。本拟开展的试点项目将在犹他州中南部2017年布莱恩黑德（Brian Head）火灾受灾区域内，经判定最易在2017年季风高峰期暴发山洪、发生泥石流活动的区域，部署适量的地震监测仪器。