Potential elevation-controlled rock-fall velocity zoning in a part of Garhwal Himalayas and risk perception

摘要

Rock-fall velocity needs to be modelled for landslide risk assessment. This has not been attempted in the Himalayas. Since the frequency of landslides blocking pilgrimage routes like those of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri increases during the rainy season causing road blockade for many days, it has become more important that rock falls are modelled. While the mechanics of transport and velocity varies from site to site and the type of landslide, factors like slope and elevation and theeffect of gravity are always commonly present. The present work is relatively new for the Himalayas, where rock-fall velocity modelling has been attempted on slopes at various elevations, except the one on run-out distances.