Shallow Geophysical Mass Flows Down Arbitrary Topography

Geophysical mass flows, such as landslides, avalanches or debris flows, are frequent mass movement processes in mountain areas and often cause disastrous damage. This book lays a foundation for formulating the depth-averaged equations describing the shallow geophysical mass flows over non-trivial topography. It consists of the detailed derivation of the model equations. The stimulating numerical examples demonstrate how the proposed models are applied. All this make this book accessible to a wide variety of readers, especially senior undergraduate and graduate students of fluid mechanics, civil engineering, applied mathematics, engineering geology, geophysics or engineers who are responsible for hazard management.

In this book fluid mechanics and thermodynamics (F&T) are approached as interwoven, not disjoint fields. The book starts by analyzing the creeping motion around spheres at rest: Stokes flows, the Oseen correction and the Lagerstrom-Kaplun expansion theories are presented, as is the homotopy analysis. 3D creeping flows and rapid granular avalanches are treated in the context of the shallow flow approximation, and it is demonstrated that uniqueness and stability deliver a natural transition to turbulence modeling at the zero, first order closure level. The difference-quotient turbulence model (DQTM) closure scheme reveals the importance of the turbulent closure schemes’ non-locality effects. Thermodynamics is presented in the form of the first and second laws, and irreversibility is expressed in terms of an entropy balance. Explicit expressions for constitutive postulates are in conformity with the dissipation inequality. Gas dynamics offer a first application of combined F&T. The book is rounded out by a chapter on dimensional analysis, similitude, and physical experiments.

Treatise on Geophysics: Mantle Dynamics, Volume 7 aims to provide both a classical and state-of-the-art introduction to the methods and science of mantle dynamics, as well as survey leading order problems (both solved and unsolved) and current understanding of how the mantle works. It is organized around two themes: (1) how is mantle convection studied; and (2) what do we understand about mantle dynamics to date. The first four chapters are thus concerned with pedagogical reviews of the physics of mantle convection; laboratory studies of the fluid dynamics of convection relevant to the mantle; theoretical analysis of mantle dynamics; and numerical analysis and methods of mantle convection. The subsequent chapters concentrate on leading issues of mantle convection itself, which include the energy budget of the mantle; the upper mantle and lithosphere in and near the spreading center (mid-ocean ridge) environment; the dynamics of subducting slabs; hot spots, melting anomalies, and mantle plumes; and finally, geochemical mantle dynamics and mixing. Self-contained volume starts with an overview of the subject then explores each topic in detail Extensive reference lists and cross references with other volumes to facilitate further research Full-color figures and tables support the text and aid in understanding Content suited for both the expert and non-expert

Avalanches, mudflows and landslides are common and natural phenomena that occur in mountainous regions. With an emphasis on snow avalanches, this book provides a survey and discussion about the motion of avalanche-like flows from initiation to run out. An important aspect of this book is the formulation and investigation of a simple but appropriate continuum mechanical model for the realistic prediction of geophysical flows of granular material.