Torrent erosion in Lake District mountain catchments

Johnson, R.M (2001) Torrent erosion in Lake District mountain catchments. PhD thesis, Durham University.

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Abstract

This thesis investigates torrent erosion in Lake District mountain catchments,Northern England. A nested research approach was used. Detailed investigations were undertaken at two case study sites (Iron Crag, Raise Beck) together with a survey of torrents across the Skiddaw and Helvellyn massifs. At Iron Crag an annual sediment budget was constructed by monitoring hillslope,channel and fan processes. Particle size characteristics of sediments, and the history of fan development were investigated. Results show channel and bank sediments are the main source of material supplied to the fan. Large rainfall events cause significant change in the channel, banks and fan. The impact of different meteorological conditions on sediment characteristics is complex, however a seasonal cycle of sediment production (winter) and exhaustion (autumn) exists. Historically, initial fan aggradation predates 36 BC, but a rapid phase of deposition began between 1200-1400 AD. Investigations at Raise Beck focussed on a flood that occurred in January 1995 and caused channel avulsion and shallow landsliding. This was reconstructed using a range of geomorphological and sedimentological evidence. Palaeohydrological methods give a discharge between 27- 74 in s-1. whereas as rainfall-runoff values range between 4-6 m3 s-1. The magnitude of the 1995 flood was smaller than two 19th Century events, but would still exceed the capacity of contemporary engineered channels. The regional survey considered the characteristics and importance of torrents,mountain streams, and debris flows; and provided a context for work at the case study sites. The case study sites are distinct members of the regional populations. Raise Beck being the largest (133 ha) and highest (858 m O. D. ); Iron Crag amongst the smallest (2.4 ha) and lowest (600 m O. D. ). Overall, torrents and hillslope debris flows are minor components of the landscape (aerially 2.1 % Helvellyn massif, 0.4 % Skiddaw massif). Sites are preferentially located in regard to altitude and slope.Debris flows are related to geological type. Large torrent floods are relatively rare and can be broadly related to regional flood episodes. Contemporary debris flow activity is of low magnitude and frequency.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Note:	Full text available at URL above.
Keywords:	Lake District, Sediment Budget, Flood, Hillslope instability, landscape change
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GB Physical geography Q Science > Q Science (General) Q Science > QE Geology
Divisions:	School of Sciences
Date Deposited:	03 Mar 2015 12:34
Last Modified:	15 Aug 2021 09:39
URI / Page ID:	https://researchspace.bathspa.ac.uk/id/eprint/5383

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