Seismo-acoustic analysis of debris-flow events at Illgraben
(Switzerland): relating signal features to flow measurements and
infrasonic source mechanisms
Abstract
We present a seismo-acoustic analysis of the debris-flow activity
between 2017 and 2019 at the Illgraben catchment (Switzerland). To
understand fluid dynamic processes involved in the seismo-acoustic
energy generation by debris-flows, seismic and acoustic amplitudes
(maximum root mean square amplitude, RMSA) and peak frequencies are
compared with flow measurements (front velocity, maximum flow depth and
density). Front velocity, maximum depth, peak discharge and peak mass
flux show a positive correlation with both infrasonic and seismic
maximum RMSA, suggesting that seismo-acoustic radiation is controlled by
these flow parameters. Comparison between seismo-acoustic peak
frequencies and flow parameters reveal that, unlike seismic signals,
characterized by a constant peak frequency regardless of the magnitude
of the flow, infrasound peak frequency decreases with increasing flow
velocity, depth and discharge. Based on all collected evidence, we
suggest that infrasound signals of debris-flows are generated by flow
waves and water splashes that develop at the free-surface of the flow,
whose dimension scales with flow magnitude. According to fluid dynamics,
such surface oscillations are mostly generated wherever the flow
encounters significant channel irregularities, such as topographic steps
and planform steep bends, that therefore likely constitute preferential
sources of infrasound. As for seismic waves, results are consistent with
previous theoretical models and field observations, which attribute
debris-flow seismicity to solid particle collisions, friction and fluid
dynamic structures. Finally, the observed positive correlations between
seismo-acoustic signal features and flow parameters highlight the
potential to use infrasound and seismic measurements for debris-flow
monitoring and risk management.