Abstract
ABSTRACTThe critique by Issler and other (2017) of our avalanche dynamics model maintains that we disregard well-established results of particulate gravity flows. Here we show that the arguments of Issler and others (1) violate Newton's laws of motion in the avalanche core and (2) ignore size-dependent drag forces on snow particles (Stokes law) that lead to the formation of avalanche suspension layers. We explain why we cannot amend our model equations to accommodate their suggestions. The goal of our approach is to describe highly non-stationary processes in the avalanche core that lead to a wide range of avalanche flow types and therefore different flow behavior. This is important for practical applications.
Highlights
In their recent paper, Issler and others (2017) make three direct charges against our work
The changes in slope-perpendicular acceleration can be found by equating a fraction (γ) of the production of random energy (P_ ) with the work needed to change the location of the center-of-mass of the avalanche
We must be blunt: we have not disregarded the solutions offered by granular mechanics/particulate gravity currents
Summary
Issler and others (2017) make three direct charges against our work. (i) the proposed method does not agree with results on dense granular flows, (ii) a third-order equation to describe the slope perpendicular accelerations is in error and (iii) the model for the suspension cloud disregards well-established results on particulate gravity currents and needs substantial adjustments. Our response to these charges is clear: the arguments invoked by Issler and others (2017) violate Newton’s laws of motion, the law of action and reaction. Our yardstick is not agreement to well-established concepts, but to the problem at hand, snow in motion
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