Vanishing volcanics: Implications of mass wasting deposit sediment heterogeneity on downstream abrasion and the fluvial hazard cascade
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59236/geomorphica.v2i2.66Keywords:
mass wasting, abrasion, hazard cascade, rock strength, volcanicAbstract
In the Pacific Northwest, over half of all catastrophic mass wasting events occur on volcanic slopes, making volcanic edifices significant contributors of sediment to downstream channels. The grain size distribution (GSD) and clast abrasion rates of mass wasting deposit sediment can strongly control the downstream fate of these large sediment pulses, mediating the magnitude and timing of the fluvial hazard cascade. Here, we build on prior research from Glacier Peak, quantifying the GSD, clast strength, and simulated downstream sediment abrasion of four additional volcanic mass wasting deposits: one on Mt. Meager and Mt. Adams, and two on Mt. Rainier. Deposits vary substantially in GSD (D84/D50 = 3.8-8.0) and include diverse volcanic rock types. We find that vesicularity and hydrothermal alteration, which weaken volcanic rocks, strongly influence downstream abrasion. Individual clast abrasion rates span four orders of magnitude, with simulated volumetric losses up to 86% over 100 km for the weakest deposit. Comparison to a global dataset indicates these rocks are of typical volcanic strength. Importantly, sedimentary rocks tend to be substantially weaker, suggesting sedimentary pulses could experience even greater attenuation. Our findings highlight the role of bed material abrasion in coarse sediment budgets, with implications for source-to-sink hazards in volcanic and other river systems.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Brian Pinke, Allison Pfeiffer, Jonathan A. Czuba, Finn Coffin
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