Recovery Period of Fluvial Sediment Transport after a Major Earthquake

Abstract

Fluvial sediment transport reflects the rate of geomorphic change in river catchment. By retrospection long-term observation data of fluvial sediment, the recovery period of sediment transport after a large earthquake can be assessed. We proved that the recovery period in a given catchment is positively correlated with the peak ground motions triggered by an earthquake. The correlation indicates that a recovery period of more than four years is required if a catchment is affected by an earthquake with a ground acceleration greater than 400gal. Major earthquake is an important factor for sediment yield, especially within a few years after a large earthquake. Therefore, within a few years after a major earthquake, fast geomorphic change in river catchment should be considered as one of environmental conditions for engineering and natural-disaster prevention work.