Geomorphological characteristics of small debris flows on Junior's Kop, Marion Island, maritime sub-Antarctic

The geomorphological characteristics of small debris flows in a maritime su b-Antarctic environment are described. The morphological and sedimentologic al characteristics of the debris flows are comparable to debris flows docum ented for other parts of the world; their initiation appears closely linked to the unusual environment in which they are found. Sediment supply is gen erated by diurnal frost heave of loamy sediment associated with Azorella se lago. The debris flows are triggered by sediment mobilization upon saturati on of the frost-heaved surface gravel and overland flow over the low-permea bility and frost-susceptible slope materials. Morphological effects of the flows are short-lived due to obliteration by subsequent frost heave activit y. Copyright (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.