Jacques Locat

Bio: Jacques Locat is an academic researcher from Laval University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Landslide & Submarine landslide. The author has an hindex of 37, co-authored 171 publications receiving 5062 citations. Previous affiliations of Jacques Locat include University of Lausanne.

Corrélations entre des propriétés mécaniques dynamiques et statiques de sols argileux intacts et traités à la chaux

Abstract: The use of an ultrasonic accelerometer has led to an empirical correlation between the wave velocity and the static mechanical strength deducted from destructive tests made on intact or lime-treated clays, and to an evaluation of the influence of certain physical soil parameters on wave velocity. The results give a good correlation between the dynamic elastic properties deducted from the shear wave velocity and the static mechanical properties of the intact and the lime-treated clays when measured without confining pressure. The results also confirm that the maximum dynamic shear modulus is proportional to undrained shear strength, independently of soil type. The structure of a lime-treated clay is more favorable to the transmission of shear waves than the same clay in an intact state having the same shear strength; the cause of this difference is associated with the compaction energy and the newly formed minerals resulting from the treatment. Finally, the study of these, treated soils has illustrated the...

Morphodynamic and Slope Instability Observations at Wabush Lake, Labrador

Abstract: Since 1964, Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOCC) has deposited iron tailings resulting from mining operations into Wabush Lake, Western Labrador. Bathymetric surveys were carried out between 2004 and 2008 as part of the overall environmental IOCC plans to maintain safe disposal strategies of tailings into the lake. In this paper, we present the evolution in distribution and morphological characteristics over the last 4 years of the tailings overlying lacustrine sediments and bedrock. In 2004, a high definition multibeam survey of Wabush Lake was carried out for the first time and revealed lake floor features, including a fine network of channels and a delta foreslope with well-developed knickpoints. Other features such as older subaqueous mass movement scars and an esker were also identified. The delta foreslope channels, in 2004, led into a deeper long channel connected with the deepest part of the lake where turbidite deposition took place. A second bathymet-ric survey was carried out in 2006. Many of the features seen on the 2004 map were already buried by the advancing delta front. Results indicate that the 2004 channel system was almost completely obliterated with the generation of many new others. Development of the knickpoints is also observed where some are still present and new ones are discovered. A third bathymetric survey conducted in 2008 demonstrates a different spatial arrangement of features. Well developed wider channels and new knickpoints are observed on the foreslope delta. The sequential analysis of 2004, 2006 and 2008 surveys proved to be a useful tool to evaluate: (1) the rate of infilling of the lake, where accumulation took place and by which mechanisms (2) the evolution of the foreslope delta gradient and, (3) the evolution of instability areas. Our results indicate that these recently developed techniques are useful tools for monitoring underwater tailings disposal and stability.

Rheological Properties Of Fine-Grained Sediments In Modeling Submarine Mass Movements: The Role Of Texture

Abstract: The rheological behavior of soils depends on many factors, including their mineralogy and grain size distribution. This work comprises an extensive search of data collected from the literature, an experimental work on about 17 samples. These results, along with a compilation of existing data, have been used to show that, as a first approximation, the yield strength/viscosity ratio is about 1000, 100 and less than 10 for clayey, silty and sandy fine-grained sediments mixtures, respectively. Our research results on the rheological properties of fine-grained sediments indicate that they are very sensitive to the variation in grain size, shear rate, and geometry of the system.

Parametric Analysis of the Mobility of Debris from Flow Slides in Sensitive Clays

Abstract: Sensitive clays are prone to various types of landslides Among these are flow slides that are able to affect hectares of land Moreover, debris from these flow slides has a high mobility with run out distance of hundreds of meters, even in relatively flat areas, are quite common In the context of hazard mapping, mobility of the debris is also an important factors to consider In this context, a parametric analysis using simplified geometries is undertaken in order to evaluate the run out characteristics of these flows (such has the length of the run out area and the lateral spread of the debris) as a function of the rheological parameters such as the yield stress and viscosity In order to proceed with the parametric analysis, a newly developed 3D numerical model was used

The physical character of subaqueous sedimentary density flows and their deposits

Abstract: The complexity of flow and wide variety of depositional processes operating in subaqueous density flows, combined with post-depositional consolidation and soft-sediment deformation, often make it difficult to interpret the characteristics of the original flow from the sedimentary record. This has led to considerable confusion of nomenclature in the literature. This paper attempts to clarify this situation by presenting a simple classification of sedimentary density flows, based on physical flow properties and grain-support mechanisms, and briefly discusses the likely characteristics of the deposited sediments. Cohesive flows are commonly referred to as debris flows and mud flows and defined on the basis of sediment characteristics. The boundary between cohesive and non-cohesive density flows (frictional flows) is poorly constrained, but dimensionless numbers may be of use to define flow thresholds. Frictional flows include a continuous series from sediment slides to turbidity currents. Subdivision of these flows is made on the basis of the dominant particle-support mechanisms, which include matrix strength (in cohesive flows), buoyancy, pore pressure, grain-to-grain interaction (causing dispersive pressure), Reynolds stresses (turbulence) and bed support (particles moved on the stationary bed). The dominant particle-support mechanism depends upon flow conditions, particle concentration, grain-size distribution and particle type. In hyperconcentrated density flows, very high sediment concentrations (>25 volume%) make particle interactions of major importance. The difference between hyperconcentrated density flows and cohesive flows is that the former are friction dominated. With decreasing sediment concentration, vertical particle sorting can result from differential settling, and flows in which this can occur are termed concentrated density flows. The boundary between hyperconcentrated and concentrated density flows is defined by a change in particle behaviour, such that denser or larger grains are no longer fully supported by grain interaction, thus allowing coarse-grain tail (or dense-grain tail) normal grading. The concentration at which this change occurs depends on particle size, sorting, composition and relative density, so that a single threshold concentration cannot be defined. Concentrated density flows may be highly erosive and subsequently deposit complete or incomplete Lowe and Bouma sequences. Conversely, hydroplaning at the base of debris flows, and possibly also in some hyperconcentrated flows, may reduce the fluid drag, thus allowing high flow velocities while preventing large-scale erosion. Flows with concentrations <9% by volume are true turbidity flows (sensuBagnold, 1962), in which fluid turbulence is the main particle-support mechanism. Turbidity flows and concentrated density flows can be subdivided on the basis of flow duration into instantaneous surges, longer duration surge-like flows and quasi-steady currents. Flow duration is shown to control the nature of the resulting deposits. Surge-like turbidity currents tend to produce classical Bouma sequences, whose nature at any one site depends on factors such as flow size, sediment type and proximity to source. In contrast, quasi-steady turbidity currents, generated by hyperpycnal river effluent, can deposit coarsening-up units capped by fining-up units (because of waxing and waning conditions respectively) and may also include thick units of uniform character (resulting from prolonged periods of near-steady conditions). Any flow type may progressively change character along the transport path, with transformation primarily resulting from reductions in sediment concentration through progressive entrainment of surrounding fluid and/or sediment deposition. The rate of fluid entrainment, and consequently flow transformation, is dependent on factors including slope gradient, lateral confinement, bed roughness, flow thickness and water depth. Flows with high and low sediment concentrations may co-exist in one transport event because of downflow transformations, flow stratification or shear layer development of the mixing interface with the overlying water (mixing cloud formation). Deposits of an individual flow event at one site may therefore form from a succession of different flow types, and this introduces considerable complexity into classifying the flow event or component flow types from the deposits.

Recommendations for the quantitative analysis of landslide risk

Abstract: This paper presents recommended methodologies for the quantitative analysis of landslide hazard, vulnerability and risk at different spatial scales (site-specific, local, regional and national), as well as for the verification and validation of the results. The methodologies described focus on the evaluation of the probabilities of occurrence of different landslide types with certain characteristics. Methods used to determine the spatial distribution of landslide intensity, the characterisation of the elements at risk, the assessment of the potential degree of damage and the quantification of the vulnerability of the elements at risk, and those used to perform the quantitative risk analysis are also described. The paper is intended for use by scientists and practising engineers, geologists and other landslide experts.

Use of LIDAR in landslide investigations: a review

Abstract: This paper presents a short history of the appraisal of laser scanner technologies in geosciences used for imaging relief by high-resolution digital elevation models (HRDEMs) or 3D models. A general overview of light detection and ranging (LIDAR) techniques applied to landslides is given, followed by a review of different applications of LIDAR for landslide, rockfall and debris-flow. These applications are classified as: (1) Detection and characterization of mass movements; (2) Hazard assessment and susceptibility mapping; (3) Modelling; (4) Monitoring. This review emphasizes how LIDAR-derived HRDEMs can be used to investigate any type of landslides. It is clear that such HRDEMs are not yet a common tool for landslides investigations, but this technique has opened new domains of applications that still have to be developed.

Bioturbation: a fresh look at Darwin's last idea

Abstract: Bioturbation refers to the biological reworking of soils and sediments, and its importance for soil processes and geomorphology was first realised by Charles Darwin, who devoted his last scientific book to the subject. Here, we review some new insights into the evolutionary and ecological role of bioturbation that would have probably amazed Darwin. In modern ecological theory, bioturbation is now recognised as an archetypal example of ‘ecosystem engineering’, modifying geochemical gradients, redistributing food resources, viruses, bacteria, resting stages and eggs. From an evolutionary perspective, recent investigations provide evidence that bioturbation had a key role in the evolution of metazoan life at the end of the Precambrian Era.

Subaqueous sediment density flows: Depositional processes and deposit types

Abstract: Submarine sediment density flows are one of the most important processes for moving sediment across our planet, yet they are extremely difficult to monitor directly. The speed of long run-out submarine density flows has been measured directly in just five locations worldwide and their sediment concentration has never been measured directly. The only record of most density flows is their sediment deposit. This article summarizes the processes by which density flows deposit sediment and proposes a new single classification for the resulting types of deposit. Colloidal properties of fine cohesive mud ensure that mud deposition is complex, and large volumes of mud can sometimes pond or drain-back for long distances into basinal lows. Deposition of ungraded mud (TE-3) most probably finally results from en masse consolidation in relatively thin and dense flows, although initial size sorting of mud indicates earlier stages of dilute and expanded flow. Graded mud (TE-2) and finely laminated mud (TE-1) most probably result from floc settling at lower mud concentrations. Grain-size breaks beneath mud intervals are commonplace, and record bypass of intermediate grain sizes due to colloidal mud behaviour. Planar-laminated (TD) and ripple cross-laminated (TC) non-cohesive silt or fine sand is deposited by dilute flow, and the external deposit shape is consistent with previous models of spatial decelerating (dissipative) dilute flow. A grain-size break beneath the ripple cross-laminated (TC) interval is common, and records a period of sediment reworking (sometimes into dunes) or bypass. Finely planar-laminated sand can be deposited by low-amplitude bed waves in dilute flow (TB-1), but it is most likely to be deposited mainly by high-concentration near-bed layers beneath high-density flows (TB-2). More widely spaced planar lamination (TB-3) occurs beneath massive clean sand (TA), and is also formed by high-density turbidity currents. High-density turbidite deposits (TA, TB-2 and TB-3) have a tabular shape consistent with hindered settling, and are typically overlain by a more extensive drape of low-density turbidite (TD and TC,). This core and drape shape suggests that events sometimes comprise two distinct flow components. Massive clean sand is less commonly deposited en masse by liquefied debris flow (DCS), in which case the clean sand is ungraded or has a patchy grain-size texture. Clean-sand debrites can extend for several tens of kilometres before pinching out abruptly. Up-current transitions suggest that clean-sand debris flows sometimes form via transformation from high-density turbidity currents. Cohesive debris flows can deposit three types of ungraded muddy sand that may contain clasts. Thick cohesive debrites tend to occur in more proximal settings and extend from an initial slope failure. Thinner and highly mobile low-strength cohesive debris flows produce extensive deposits restricted to distal areas. These low-strength debris flows may contain clasts and travel long distances (DM-2), or result from more local flow transformation due to turbulence damping by cohesive mud (DM-1). Mapping of individual flow deposits (beds) emphasizes how a single event can contain several flow types, with transformations between flow types. Flow transformation may be from dilute to dense flow, as well as from dense to dilute flow. Flow state, deposit type and flow transformation are strongly dependent on the volume fraction of cohesive fine mud within a flow. Recent field observations show significant deviations from previous widely cited models, and many hypotheses linking flow type to deposit type are poorly tested. There is much still to learn about these remarkable flows.