Wiley Flood and Megaflood Processes and Deposits: Recent and Ancient Examples (International Association Of Sedimentologists Series)

The aim of this publication is the understanding of large floods and their impact on the Eartha s surface. The major objectives are: 1) to take a second look at what constitutes a megaflood that the principle of uniformitarianism is at some loss to explain and 2) to try to determine what could happen in such large floods by analyzing those that occur in front of glaciers, in alluvial--fans and in alluvial valleys. The products of these floods are presented in terms of sedimentary deposits, erosional features and damage to human activities. The 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. Therefore, this volume is of interest not only to sedimentologists/gemorphlogists, but also to engineers, landuse planners and anyone interested in the interrelation between humans and the environment. If you are a member of the International Association of Sedimentologists, for purchasing details, please see: http://www.iasnet.org/publications/details.asp?code=SP32 Review "This book is well presented and structured...a fascinating collection of papers...recommended to anyone working on fluvial deposits, fans or fluvioglacial material, or who just wants to be impressed with what megafloods can do, as there are some excellent illustrations." Anne Mather, University of Plymouth, The Holocene, June 2004 "The papers have been edited and illustrated to a high standard and even for those allergic to fluvial geomorphology are a treasure trove of fascinating material." Andrew Goudie, University of Oxford, Progress in Physical Geography, September 2004 From the Back Cover 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.