Database of post-wildfire debris-flow activity in Mediterranean ecosystems

Background

Wildfires can have profound effects on the hydrologic response of watersheds, and debris-flow activity is among the most destructive consequences of these effects. The continued high likelihood of catastrophic wildfires in Mediterranean climates has created the need to develop methods to identify and quantify potential debris flow hazards from burned watersheds.

Purpose

Main goal of the project is to develop methods for predicting post-wildfire debris-flow activity and hazard delineation. Science-based information on post wildfire debris-flow hazards is critically needed by land-management and emergency-response agencies throughout the world to mitigate the impacts of fire on people, their property, and natural resources.

Methods

Following the analogous USGS project Post-wildfire Debris Flow Hazards, and the results obtained for debris flows after wildifres in the Western USA, a critical analysis of the available data for wildland fires in Mediterranean ecosystems has been performed. The analysis allowed to design a specific database aimed at evaluating the main factors contributing to favour the occurrence of debris flows and erosional processes.