Flood and Megaflood Processes and Deposits: Recent and Ancient Examples (Special Publication of the International Association of Sedimentologists, Band 32) - Softcover

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This volume examines a variety of stream floods to determine which properties can be observed in recent settings and reconstructed through facies analysis from sedimentary -deposits. The so-called cataclysmic floods are analysed first, not only because of their unusual geomorphic evidence, but also to determine which sedimentary features might help in their recognition in ancient deposits. This is followed by the analysis of large glaciofluvial floods with examples from Iceland, New Zealand and North America and Europe. These floods can constitute hazards, and alternatively they can provide useful accumulations of aggregates. Floods in alluvial valleys are examined next, primarily observing the interaction between humans and the fluvial system. Finally, two cases are presented in which few deposits are found where they ought to be. This is not just a function of erosion but is some cases may actually be a characteristic of ephemeral streams in front of mobile glacier termini. This volume bears out the concept that sedimentological analysis can be a powerful tool, not only for reconstructing processes that have acted on ancient landscapes, but also as a technique for risk assessment of certain troubled areas. This volume is therefore of interest not only to sedimentologists/geomorphologists, but also to engineers, landuse planners and anyone interested in the interrelation between humans and the environment.