A distinguishing characteristic of a debris avalanche is that it is characterized by the chaotic, turbulent movement of rocks, soil, and other debris, often mixed with water or ice (or both).
Composition: Unlike a pure snow avalanche, a debris avalanche primarily consists of a diverse mix of geological materials like fragmented rock, loose soil, and other non-snowy debris.
Turbulent Flow: The movement is typically highly chaotic and turbulent, resembling a viscous fluid or a torrent of mixed materials.
Inclusion of Water/Ice: The presence of water (from rain, snowmelt, or volcanic activity) or ice within the moving mass is common, contributing to its fluidity and destructive power.
Origin: While some landslides might transition into debris avalanches, they are notably associated with volcanic sector collapses and often triggered by earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.
