164
Climatic Geomorphology
Figure 7.17. Avalanche classification. Compiled and adapted from several authors (reproduced with
permission of L6pez-Martfnez, 1988).
unconfined (Figure 7.18). The instability of the snow cover may be favoured or triggered
by several causes. Avalanches are especially common after heavy snow precipitation that
overloads the previously deposited snow cover. The frozen snow or hoar-frost layers
constitute favourable potential sliding surfaces. In addition, the percolation of snow melt
waters facilitates the generation of avalanches (Embleton, 1979).
According to Furdada (1996), there are two main types of avalanches. Powder
avalanches move in the air and have a limited geomorphic effect although they can knock
Climatic Geomorphology
Figure 7.17. Avalanche classification. Compiled and adapted from several authors (reproduced with
permission of L6pez-Martfnez, 1988).
unconfined (Figure 7.18). The instability of the snow cover may be favoured or triggered
by several causes. Avalanches are especially common after heavy snow precipitation that
overloads the previously deposited snow cover. The frozen snow or hoar-frost layers
constitute favourable potential sliding surfaces. In addition, the percolation of snow melt
waters facilitates the generation of avalanches (Embleton, 1979).
According to Furdada (1996), there are two main types of avalanches. Powder
avalanches move in the air and have a limited geomorphic effect although they can knock