Integration of meteorology and geomorphology for enhanced understanding of post-fire debris-flow hazards

¹ California Geological Survey, Burned Watershed Geohazards Program, Sacramento, California, USA
² University of California, San Diego, Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes, La Jolla, California, USA
³ University of Arizona, Geoscience Department, Tucson, Arizona, USA
⁴ California Geological Survey, Geologic and Landslide Mapping Program, Sacramento, California, USA

^* Corresponding author: nina.oakley@conservation.ca.gov

Abstract

Through precipitation, the fields of meteorology and geomorphology are fundamentally linked, thus interdisciplinary efforts are needed to advance understanding and warning of rainfall-driven geohazards. With a focus on recent efforts specific to post-fire debris flows in California, our presentation provides an overview of the benefits and challenges of working in an interdisciplinary team of meteorologists and geomorphologists, as well as results of a recent project demonstrating advancement through the integration of these fields. In this project, we combine high-resolution ensemble precipitation forecasts with post-fire debris-flow models to explore the feasibility and potential value of providing probabilistic post-fire debris-flow hazard information over a burn scar. In sharing these examples, we emphasize the multi-benefit nature of these efforts, and encourage future interdisciplinary efforts that improve warning and mitigation of rainfall-driven geohazards.