Detection and Simulation of Roll Waves in Debris Flows

Like other granular flows, debris flows produce instabilities, which manifest themselves in the form of roll waves. We propose to detect and trace these roll waves with distributed acoustic sensing using a fiber optic cable installed along parts of the Illgraben torrent. The measurements will be the basis of a numerical model for roll waves in debris flows. 

Overall, the goal is to understand unstable flow mechanisms in debris flows and quantitatively understand surging behavior, which controls the hazard potential.