@article{755883,
      recid = {755883},
      author = {Sattler, Katrin,},
      title = {Periglacial preconditioning of debris flows in the  Southern Alps, New Zealand [electronic resource] /},
      pages = {1 online resource (xvi, 276 pages) :},
      note = {"Doctoral thesis accepted by Victoria University of  Welington, Wellington, New Zealand."},
      abstract = {This thesis represents one of the few studies so far that  systematically analyses environmental conditions within  debris flow source areas to determine their relative  importance for debris flow development. Environmental site  conditions, such as slope gradient and debris availability,  influence the spatial and temporal distribution of debris  flows in high-alpine areas. However, current understanding  of these preconditioning controls is mostly qualitative and  inadequate for debris-flow hazard assessments and climate  change impact studies. The author's research investigates  the role of frost weathering and permafrost in the  occurrence of debris flows in the Southern Alps of New  Zealand. Analyses are based on an extensive debris flow  inventory, documenting debris flow occurrence and activity  over the last 60 years in selected catchments. Debris flow  activity is compared to frost-weathering intensity  estimates from two models, allowing the practical  comparison of two competing frost-weathering hypotheses  currently discussed in literature. Information on  permafrost occurrence is based on a new distributed  permafrost estimate for the Southern Alps, derived from  climatic conditions at active rock glacier sites. This  pioneering thesis provides empirical evidence that frost  weathering promotes debris-flow formation. It further  highlights the potential and limitations of regional-scale  studies for advancing our understanding of debris-flow  preconditioning factors.},
      url = {http://library.usi.edu/record/755883},
}