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GM6.1/NH3.15

Rockfalls, rockslides and rock avalanches (co-organized)
Convener: Michael Krautblatter  | Co-Convener: Axel Volkwein 
Orals
 / Wed, 15 Apr, 08:30–12:00
Posters
 / Attendance Wed, 15 Apr, 17:30–19:00

Rockfalls, rockslides and rock avalanches are fundamental modes of bedrock erosion and among the primary slope hazards in steep terrain. Outcropping rock surfaces are beset by physical and chemical processes that degrade intact rock linkages, creating new fractures and extending existing flaws, ultimately leading to separation of rock masses and preparation for transport. To better understand both the mechanics and dynamics of rockfall, rockslides and rock avalanches, all stages of rock slope degradation, mass movement initiation, and rock mass transport and deposition must be investigated and understood, and the rates of these processes characterized. This session aims to bring together state-of-the-art methods for predicting, assessing, quantifying or protecting against rockfall-, rockslide- and rock avalanche hazards, and to identify future research needs. We seek innovative contributions on mechanisms of rock slope erosion, from weathering to detachment through transport and deposition, spanning scales from individual detachment events to the dynamics of large rock avalanches, as well as simulation methods and protection and mitigation measures. This includes presentation of theoretical, numerical or probabilistic modeling, experimental investigations and experiences in the field or laboratory, and different approaches for structural and natural protection measures and hazard zoning.