Abstract：Since 1950s China has devoted to the studies of debris flow,beginning with the investigation of debris flows along the major traffic lines and in the typical regions in the southwest,including the on site observations in the Jiangjiagou Gully,Yunnan;Guxiang Gully,Tibet;Huoshao Gully,Gansu;and other valleys.Large-scale laboratories were set up in the Southwest Institute of Railway Science and the Institute of Mountain Hazard and Environment.A set of monitoring equipments and alarming instruments have been developed to meet the need in mountain constructions and residential areas protection.Forecasting models have been proposed for individual valleys and regional debris flows,in cooperation with the weather forecast.Various models have been built for hazard and risk assessment, with the concepts of risk analysis and management.An integrated system incorporating geotechnical and botanical engineering has been developed and applied to the prevention projects in cities and towns,farmlands,mines,and scenery spots.Numerous engineering structures have been built.The potentiality of debris flow is increasing in China along with the mountainous development.This requires further researches in the fundamental theories,development of forecast models based on the genesis of debris flow,improvement of determination of engineering parameters,and optimization of the structure design.Furthermore,attentions should be paid to the risk analysis and forecast in the earthquake area,as well as the exploitation of the resources from debris flows.
2009, Vol. 7 
