Spatio-temporal distribution of boulders along a debris-flow torrent assessed by UAV photogrammetry

Debris flows are a common geohazard in mountainous regions that pose a serious threat to people’s lives and property. Understanding the spatiotemporal variations in sediments within debris-flow channels is crucial for assessing the associated risks and implementing effective mitigation measures. This study aims to reveal the spatial distribution of boulders from initiation to deposition zones in the debris-flow torrent of the Ohya landslide in central Japan. In this study, we analyzed two debris flow and sediment supply seasons in a debris-flow torrent using unmanned aerial vehicle-based Structure from Motion (UAV-SfM) photogrammetry to capture aerial images. Multiple clipped orthomosaic images generated using SfM software were processed using BASEGRAIN software to obtain the granulometric properties of the top-view area of each particle. To check the accuracy of BASEGRAIN analysis, the particle size of boulders in the field was directly measured using a grid sampling technique. The BASEGRAIN analysis revealed that lower-resolution photographs were more suitable for detecting boulder-sized sediments (>256 mm), closely matching the grid-sampling data. Conversely, higher-resolution photographs detect finer sediments better but are less accurate for boulders. Our analysis revealed significant differences in boulder distribution between the upper and lower catchments, with notable changes observed across different seasons. Transportation of fine sediments from the upper to lower catchments and deposition of boulder sediments in the lower catchment contributed to these variations. The correlation between changes in boulder ratio and digital elevation models (DEM) indicates the significance of depositional and erosional processes in boulder distribution; however, there is a lack of a clear connection between boulder ratio and slope gradient. This research provides an understanding of sediment transport and deposition processes of debris flow with the viewpoint of changes in boulder distribution. • This study revealed the spatial distribution of boulders in the debris-flow torrent. • Boulder distribution was accessed by UAV photogrammetry and BASEGRAIN software. • Lower-resolution photographs were suitable for detecting boulder-sized sediments. • Boulder distribution was clearly different between the upper and lower catchments. • Boulder distribution varied with time affected by sediment supply and debris flows.