Rheological Modeling and Flow Dynamics for the Bhotekoshi River Corridor

Authors

  • Ram Chandra Tiwari Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk Engineering Campus Author
  • Aanchal Tiwari Cosmos College of Management and Technology, Affiliated to Pokhara University, Nepal Author
  • Aayam Tiwari Advanced College of Engineering and Management, Affiliated to Tribhuvan University, Nepal Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64862/

Keywords:

Hydrodynamic modeling, Voellmy-salm model, Ice-rock avalanche, Gorge fluctuations, Infrastructure vulnerability

Abstract

This study investigates the flow dynamics, flow velocity attenuation, impact pressures, and wave height evolution of the catastrophic rock-ice avalanche and subsequent debris flood cascade originating from Langtang Lirung on August 26, 2026. Utilizing the Rapid Mass Movement Simulation (RAMMS) framework governed by Voellmy-Salm rheology, we numerically track the 198 km hazard corridor incorporating localized gorge geometry, channel bends, and secondary constriction points between 20 and 30 km. The simulation reveals severe hydrodynamic oscillations reaching peak velocities of 42.0 m/s and impact pressures exceeding 3,175kPa in confined reaches showed vulnerable infrastructures and settlements.

 

References

Hergarten, S. (2024). Scaling between volume and runout of rock avalanches explained by a modified Voellmy rheology. Earth Surface Dynamics, 12(1), 219-229. https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-219-2024

Konz, A. L., Hirschberg, J., McArdell, B. W., Mirus, B. B., de Haas, t., Bartelt, P., and Molnar, P. (2024). Debris-flow entrainment modelling under climate change: Considering antecedent moisture conditions along the flow path. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 49(10), 2950-2964. https://doi.org/10.1002/esp.5868

Krusic, J., Pastor, M., Tayyebi, S. M., Duric, D., Duric, T., Samardzic-Petrovic, M., Marjanovic, M., and Abolmasov, B. (2024). Comparison of different numerical methods in modeling of debris flows-Case study in Selanac (Serbia). Applied Sciences, 14(19), 9059. https://doi.org/10.3390/app14199059

Meyrat, G., McArdell, B., Müller, C. R., Munch, J., and Bartelt, P. (2023). Voellmy-type mixture rheologies for dilatant, two-layer debris flow models. Landslides, 20(12), 2405-2420. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10346-023-02092-w

Mikos, M., and Bezak, N. (2021). Debris flow modelling using RAMMS model in the alpine environment with focus on the model parameters and main characteristics. Frontiers in Earth Science, 8, 605061. https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2020.605061

Park, H. (2026). Post-disaster scientific reconstruction of the August 26, 2026 Langtang Lirung rock-ice avalanche and multi-stage cascade. Himalayan Cryospheric Hazards Journal, 14(2), 112-130.

Salm, B. (1993). Flow, flow force and pressure of avalanches. Annals of Glaciology, 18, 203-208.

Whorton, Jodie, Jones, Thomas, and Wilson, Lionel. (2025). Mudflow rheology: A review and analysis for Earth and planetary science disciplines. Earth-Science Reviews. 270. 105226. 10.1016/j.earscirev.2025.105226.

Xu, D. (2026). The 26 August 2026 Langtang Lirung ice-rock avalanche and its transboundary cascade: a multi-source observational reconstruction in the Bhote Koshi basin. EarthArXiv Volume 2, 1 September. https://doi.org/10.31223/X56793

Downloads

Published

2026-10-11

How to Cite

Rheological Modeling and Flow Dynamics for the Bhotekoshi River Corridor. (2026). Asian Journal of Engineering Geology, 3(Sp Issue), 41-42. https://doi.org/10.64862/

Most read articles by the same author(s)

Similar Articles

1-10 of 163

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.