Knickpoint migration induced by landslide: Evidence from laboratory to field observations in Wabush Lake

Dominique Turmel, Jacques Locat, Gary Parker, Jean Marie Konrad

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Wabush Lake is characterized by a nearly constant sediment input, resulting from the deposition of mine tailings. Five bathymetric surveys were conducted in this lake, in order to understand the sedimentation pattern over more than 12 years. Of the morphologies studied, submarine channel and knickpoints were traced out and documented. A physical model of Wabush Lake was also constructed in order to understand specific morphologies, such as the knickpoints. As part of this study, it was observed that knickpoints migration could be explained, at least in the laboratory, by two mechanisms: landslide and erosion, and not only erosion as previously thought. This previous conclusion will be applied to some knickpoints found in Wabush Lake. Two cases are analysed: (1) a knickpoint where a tension crack is present and (2) another knickpoint that shows no sign of instability. It is found that, when an excess of pore water pressure is present due to rapid sedimentation, static liquefaction may occur at the head of a knickpoint leading to a localized slope failure.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationSubmarine Mass Movements and Their Consequences
Subtitle of host publication7th International Symposium
EditorsIngo Pecher, Christof Mueller, Tom Hubble, Lorena Moscardelli, Geoffroy Lamarche, Suzanne Bull, Emily Lane, Aaron Micallef, Joshu Mountjoy, Sebastian Krastel, Susanne Woelz
PublisherSpringer
Pages229-239
Number of pages11
ISBN (Electronic)9783319209784
DOIs
StatePublished - 2016

Publication series

NameAdvances in Natural and Technological Hazards Research
Volume41
ISSN (Print)1878-9897
ISSN (Electronic)2213-6959

Keywords

  • Delta
  • Knickpoint
  • Landslide
  • Liquefaction
  • Rapid deposition
  • Tailings

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Global and Planetary Change
  • Geography, Planning and Development
  • Economic Geology
  • Computers in Earth Sciences
  • Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law

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