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Statistical analysis of the relationship between catchment morphometric parameters and debris-flow-triggering rainfall intensity

Author

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  • Jing-kan Huo

    (Chengdu University of Technology)

  • Zhen-lei Wei

    (Chengdu University of Technology)

  • Xiao-jian Wang

    (Chengdu University of Technology)

  • Jie Yang

    (Chengdu University of Technology)

Abstract

The morphometric characteristics of a watershed play a crucial role in debris-flow initiation and provide key insights into the required triggering rainfall intensity. Despite this significance, limited research has examined how these topographic attributes influence rainfall thresholds. Focusing on the Wenchuan earthquake zone, this study employs statistical methods to analyze the relationship between watershed morphometry-including area, relief, relief ratio, channel gradient, and Melton index-and debris-flow triggering rainfall intensity. Results reveal that susceptible basins in this region exhibit greater areal extent and longitudinal dimensions compared to global counterparts, yet display lower Melton indices and gentler channel slopes. These findings imply that seismic activity modified debris-flow initiation conditions, as abundant loose material now requires reduced gravitational potential for mobilization. Watershed shape characteristics (catchment area) demonstrate a weak Gaussian correlation with triggering rainfall intensity, whereas slope-related features (channel gradient and Melton index) exhibit an inverse logarithmic relationship. Of all parameters analyzed, channel gradient and Melton index show the strongest association with triggering rainfall intensity. This research advances our comprehension of debris-flow triggering rainfall intensity and supports more accurate susceptibility evaluations in earthquake-affected regions.

Suggested Citation

  • Jing-kan Huo & Zhen-lei Wei & Xiao-jian Wang & Jie Yang, 2025. "Statistical analysis of the relationship between catchment morphometric parameters and debris-flow-triggering rainfall intensity," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 121(14), pages 16407-16430, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:nathaz:v:121:y:2025:i:14:d:10.1007_s11069-025-07434-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s11069-025-07434-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Wenhong Chen & Bin Yu & Peng Ye & Kan Liu & Longzhen Ye & Zhiyi Yang, 2024. "Investigation of the relationship between gully-type debris flows and shallow landslides," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 120(3), pages 2311-2331, February.
    2. Chao Ma & Kaiheng Hu & Mi Tian, 2013. "Comparison of debris-flow volume and activity under different formation conditions," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 67(2), pages 261-273, June.
    3. Taixin Peng & Ningsheng Chen & Guisheng Hu & Shufeng Tian & Huayong Ni & Ling Huang, 2025. "New rulers for estimating the magnitude of catastrophic debris flows," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 121(2), pages 1765-1778, January.
    4. Mélanie Bertrand & Frédéric Liébault & Hervé Piégay, 2013. "Debris-flow susceptibility of upland catchments," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 67(2), pages 497-511, June.
    5. Stefano Luigi Gariano & Massimo Melillo & Silvia Peruccacci & Maria Teresa Brunetti, 2020. "How much does the rainfall temporal resolution affect rainfall thresholds for landslide triggering?," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 100(2), pages 655-670, January.
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