Jason Kean
My research focuses on the processes controlling debris-flow initiation and growth, particularly after wildfire, but also in unburned areas.
This research includes a field component that obtains direct measurements of debris flows in natural settings, a modeling component that seeks to explain the observations, and an applied component that focuses on assessment of debris-flow hazards. My previous research at the USGS focused on river mechanics, including bank erosion and the development of model-based approaches to gage streams and rivers.
Education and Certifications
University of Colorado, Ph.D., 2003, Civil Engineering
University of Colorado, M.S., 1998, Civil Engineering
Cornell University, B.S., 1994, Civil Engineering
Science and Products
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Runoff-generated debris flows: observations and modeling of surge initiation, magnitude, and frequency Runoff-generated debris flows: observations and modeling of surge initiation, magnitude, and frequency
Runoff during intense rainstorms plays a major role in generating debris flows in many alpine areas and burned steeplands. Yet compared to debris flow initiation from shallow landslides, the mechanics by which runoff generates a debris flow are less understood. To better understand debris flow initiation by surface water runoff, we monitored flow stage and rainfall associated with debris...
Authors
Jason W. Kean, Scott W. McCoy, Gregory E. Tucker, Dennis M. Staley, Jeffrey A. Coe
Field measurement of basal forces generated by erosive debris flows Field measurement of basal forces generated by erosive debris flows
It has been proposed that debris flows cut bedrock valleys in steeplands worldwide, but field measurements needed to constrain mechanistic models of this process remain sparse due to the difficulty of instrumenting natural flows. Here we present and analyze measurements made using an automated sensor network, erosion bolts, and a 15.24 cm by 15.24 cm force plate installed in the bedrock...
Authors
S.W. McCoy, G.E. Tucker, J. W. Kean, J. A. Coe
Sediment entrainment by debris flows: In situ measurements from the headwaters of a steep catchment Sediment entrainment by debris flows: In situ measurements from the headwaters of a steep catchment
Debris flows can dramatically increase their volume, and hence their destructive potential, by entraining sediment. Yet quantitative constraints on rates and mechanics of sediment entrainment by debris flows are limited. Using an in situ sensor network in the headwaters of a natural catchment we measured flow and bed properties during six erosive debris-flow events. Despite similar flow...
Authors
S.W. McCoy, Jason W. Kean, Jeffrey A. Coe, G.E. Tucker, Dennis M. Staley, T.A. Wasklewicz
Objective definition of rainfall intensity-duration thresholds for the initiation of post-fire debris flows in southern California Objective definition of rainfall intensity-duration thresholds for the initiation of post-fire debris flows in southern California
Rainfall intensity–duration (ID) thresholds are commonly used to predict the temporal occurrence of debris flows and shallow landslides. Typically, thresholds are subjectively defined as the upper limit of peak rainstorm intensities that do not produce debris flows and landslides, or as the lower limit of peak rainstorm intensities that initiate debris flows and landslides. In addition...
Authors
Dennis Staley, Jason W. Kean, Susan H. Cannon, Kevin M. Schmidt, Jayme L. Laber
Modelling rating curves using remotely sensed LiDAR data Modelling rating curves using remotely sensed LiDAR data
Accurate stream discharge measurements are important for many hydrological studies. In remote locations, however, it is often difficult to obtain stream flow information because of the difficulty in making the discharge measurements necessary to define stage-discharge relationships (rating curves). This study investigates the feasibility of defining rating curves by using a fluid...
Authors
Marcus Nathanson, Jason W. Kean, Thomas J. Grabs, Jan Seibert, Hjalmar Laudon, Steve W. Lyon
Real-time monitoring of landslides Real-time monitoring of landslides
Landslides cause fatalities and property damage throughout the Nation. To reduce the impact from hazardous landslides, the U.S. Geological Survey develops and uses real-time and near-real-time landslide monitoring systems. Monitoring can detect when hillslopes are primed for sliding and can provide early indications of rapid, catastrophic movement. Continuous information from up-to-the...
Authors
Mark E. Reid, Richard G. LaHusen, Rex L. Baum, Jason W. Kean, William H. Schulz, Lynn M. Highland
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 30
No Result Found
Filter Total Items: 99
Runoff-generated debris flows: observations and modeling of surge initiation, magnitude, and frequency Runoff-generated debris flows: observations and modeling of surge initiation, magnitude, and frequency
Runoff during intense rainstorms plays a major role in generating debris flows in many alpine areas and burned steeplands. Yet compared to debris flow initiation from shallow landslides, the mechanics by which runoff generates a debris flow are less understood. To better understand debris flow initiation by surface water runoff, we monitored flow stage and rainfall associated with debris...
Authors
Jason W. Kean, Scott W. McCoy, Gregory E. Tucker, Dennis M. Staley, Jeffrey A. Coe
Field measurement of basal forces generated by erosive debris flows Field measurement of basal forces generated by erosive debris flows
It has been proposed that debris flows cut bedrock valleys in steeplands worldwide, but field measurements needed to constrain mechanistic models of this process remain sparse due to the difficulty of instrumenting natural flows. Here we present and analyze measurements made using an automated sensor network, erosion bolts, and a 15.24 cm by 15.24 cm force plate installed in the bedrock...
Authors
S.W. McCoy, G.E. Tucker, J. W. Kean, J. A. Coe
Sediment entrainment by debris flows: In situ measurements from the headwaters of a steep catchment Sediment entrainment by debris flows: In situ measurements from the headwaters of a steep catchment
Debris flows can dramatically increase their volume, and hence their destructive potential, by entraining sediment. Yet quantitative constraints on rates and mechanics of sediment entrainment by debris flows are limited. Using an in situ sensor network in the headwaters of a natural catchment we measured flow and bed properties during six erosive debris-flow events. Despite similar flow...
Authors
S.W. McCoy, Jason W. Kean, Jeffrey A. Coe, G.E. Tucker, Dennis M. Staley, T.A. Wasklewicz
Objective definition of rainfall intensity-duration thresholds for the initiation of post-fire debris flows in southern California Objective definition of rainfall intensity-duration thresholds for the initiation of post-fire debris flows in southern California
Rainfall intensity–duration (ID) thresholds are commonly used to predict the temporal occurrence of debris flows and shallow landslides. Typically, thresholds are subjectively defined as the upper limit of peak rainstorm intensities that do not produce debris flows and landslides, or as the lower limit of peak rainstorm intensities that initiate debris flows and landslides. In addition...
Authors
Dennis Staley, Jason W. Kean, Susan H. Cannon, Kevin M. Schmidt, Jayme L. Laber
Modelling rating curves using remotely sensed LiDAR data Modelling rating curves using remotely sensed LiDAR data
Accurate stream discharge measurements are important for many hydrological studies. In remote locations, however, it is often difficult to obtain stream flow information because of the difficulty in making the discharge measurements necessary to define stage-discharge relationships (rating curves). This study investigates the feasibility of defining rating curves by using a fluid...
Authors
Marcus Nathanson, Jason W. Kean, Thomas J. Grabs, Jan Seibert, Hjalmar Laudon, Steve W. Lyon
Real-time monitoring of landslides Real-time monitoring of landslides
Landslides cause fatalities and property damage throughout the Nation. To reduce the impact from hazardous landslides, the U.S. Geological Survey develops and uses real-time and near-real-time landslide monitoring systems. Monitoring can detect when hillslopes are primed for sliding and can provide early indications of rapid, catastrophic movement. Continuous information from up-to-the...
Authors
Mark E. Reid, Richard G. LaHusen, Rex L. Baum, Jason W. Kean, William H. Schulz, Lynn M. Highland