Abstract
AbstractSlab avalanches are shown to be released by brittle fracture. An analogy is drawn in which the snow-pack is considered to be a macroscopic, molecular model of glass. The analogy is examined qualitatively from two viewpoints: the Griffith fracture criterion, and stress concentration theory. The details of fracture propagation in a layered snow-pack are explained by means of stress concentration theory, and many details of slab avalanches are shown to be consistent with the proposed mechanism. The significance of various fracture surface markings is pointed out.
Full Text 
Sign-in/Register to access full text options
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Paper version not known
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
