Debris flows, consisting of the movement at high speed of a liquefied mass of rock blocks, gravel, sand and soil, are one of the most destructive processes of natural hazards all over the world. They have been the cause of environmental damages and degradation, and also of social and economical impacts, represented by loss of lives, dislodged population and damages to properties and infrastructure public works. This paper deals with the formation mechanisms of debris flows, the environmental impacts, the purpose of protective engineering works and a pioneer Brazilian case history.
展开▼
