The contribution of discontinuous rock-mass failure to glacier erosion

Auteur :
ADDISON, K.

Description :
Geomechanical rock-mass properties control the response of bedrock to applied stresses and can be summarized in a linear Mohr-Coulomb equation, which defines the principal parameters determining failure. Nevertheless, in studying the erosion of bedrock by glacier ice, little attention has been paid to failure criteria. This investigation proposes that, since almost all bedrock possesses identifiable fracture systems, the properties of discontinuous rock-mass be regarded as defining primary conditions of stress and stability. Consequent rock-mass failure modes are prescribed by discontinuity geometry and applied stresses and evidence from North Wales confirms the validity of the theoretical treatment of rock-mass properties and explains the accordance of landforms with structure.


Type de document :
Article de périodique

Source :
Annals of Glaciology Cambridge, 1982, vol. 2, p. 3-10, Références bibliographiques : 50 réf.

Date :
1982