Synonyms
Sapping; Seepage Erosion; Tunneling
Definition
Piping and tunneling represent distinct subsurface, linear erosion mechanisms but they are often functionally indistinguishable and generally grouped under the process term piping (Bryan, 2000).
Discussion
Essentially true piping (referred to as seepage erosion, by Dunne (1990)) involves the localized dislodgment and ejection of particles at an outlet in response to seepage forces produced by a positive water potential and high hydraulic gradient, leading to erosion and headward development of a conduit. By contrast, tunneling exploits existing macropores such as cracks and root channels, and involves hydraulic entrainment forces and hence is referred to by Dunne (1990) as tunnel scour. Both processes may operate in subsurface conduits and the consequent undermining effect and extension of the cavity is referred to as sapping.
The criteria for pipe and tunnel development include: a pathway for water entry and concentration of...
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Bibliography
Anderson, M. G., and Burt, T. P., 1990. Subsurface runoff. In Anderson, M. G., and Burt, T. P. (eds.), Process Studies in Hillslope Hydrology. Chichester: Wiley, pp. 365–400.
Bryan, R. B., 2000. Soil erodibility and processes of water erosion on hillslope. Geomorphology, 32(3), 385–415.
Dunne, T., 1990. Hydrology, mechanics, and geomorphic implications of erosion by subsurface flow. In Higgins, C. G., and Coates, D. R. (eds.), Groundwater Geomorphology: The Role of Subsurface Water in Earth-surface Processes and Landforms. Geological Society of America Special Paper 252, pp. 1–28.
Hardenbicker, U., and Crozier, M. J., 2002. Soil pipes and slope stability. In Rybár, J., Stemberk, J., and Wagner, P. (eds.), Landslides. Proceedings of the First European Conference on Landslides. Balkema: Prague, pp. 565–570.
Independent panel, 1976. Independent Panel to Review Cause of Teton Dam Failure. Report to the US Department of interior and state of Idaho on failure of the Teton dam, Idaho Falls.
Jones, J. A. A., 1990. Piping effects in humid lands. In Higgins, C. G., and Coates, D. R. (eds.), Groundwater Geomorphology: The role of Subsurface Water in Earth-surface Processes and Landforms. Geological Society of America Special Paper 252, pp. 111–138.
Laffan, M. D., and Cutler, E. J. B., 1977. Landscape, soils, and erosion of a catchment the Wither Hills, Marlborough. New Zealand Journal of Science, 20, 279–289.
UNEP, 2001. Tailings Dams – Risk of Dangerous Occurrences, Lessons Learnt from Practical Experiences. United Nations Environmental Programme, Division of Technology, Industry and Economics; International Commission on Large Dams, Paris.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
About this entry
Cite this entry
Crozier, M.J., Preston, N., Glade, T. (2013). Piping Hazard. In: Bobrowsky, P.T. (eds) Encyclopedia of Natural Hazards. Encyclopedia of Earth Sciences Series. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-4399-4_269
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-4399-4_269
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
Print ISBN: 978-90-481-8699-0
Online ISBN: 978-1-4020-4399-4
eBook Packages: Earth and Environmental ScienceReference Module Physical and Materials ScienceReference Module Earth and Environmental Sciences