Abstract
Debris flows in the Venezuelan Andes are common geomorphologic processes that reflect the sediment supply capacity of this regional mountain system. In this study a regional model for potential debris flows on soil and vegetation-covered hillslopes, in watershed domains is presented. The method used in this investigation is a combination of remote sensing techniques, morphometric and hydrologic parameters. The study area is the Upper Chama River Watershed,North-western Venezuela. The input data is an ASTER scene and SRTM3-DEM.
The main focus is the modelling of source, runout and deposition areas for potential debris flows, as a function of topography and sediment dynamics. This goal is reached by implementing the Distributed Melton´s Ruggedness Number(DMRN) and the Modified Single Flow Model (MSFM), develop by Huggel et al. 2003. Complementary, a level I land cover classification is carried out. It aims to investigate the relationship between vegetation, high DMRN and the frequency of
occurrence of debris flows in study area.