What happens when a rapid, sediment laden flow (hyperconcentrated flow) is forced through a narrow and deeply incised bedrock gorge? In the case of the event in June 2020 in the Höllental-gorge, the geomorphic changes were even visible by eye. Boulders with volumes up to 20 m3 were shifted, broken off rock fragments from the channel walls left visible scarps and the channel appeared as if someone went through with sand-blasting equipment. How we quantitatively assessed the erosion power of this hyperconcentrated flow and what implications the results have for long-term bedrock incision in alpine gorges is now published in our paper:
Stammberger, V., Jacobs, B. & Krautblatter, M. (2024): Hyperconcentrated flows shape bedrock channels. Commun Earth Environ 5, 184. https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-024-01353-3
For a quick read head over to this “behind the paper” blogpost: https://communities.springernature.com/posts/bedrock-erosion-in-a-180-m-deeply-incised-gorge