This volume arises from the conference Sediment Transport and Deposition by Particulate Gravity Currents held in the UK in 1998. The field of particulate gravity currents ranges from turbidity currents in the oceans, lakes and reservoirs to pyroclastic density currents and avalanches, debris flows and lahars, grainflows, powder snow avalanches, effluent dispersal and ancient gravity current deposits.

Although the sub-division of particulate gravity currents into discrete sub-categories (such as grain flows, turbidity currents or debris flows) provides a convenient descriptive shorthand, it undermines the sense of process continuum needed to describe many natural flows. The structure of this volume reflects an integrative aim, with papers grouped by research approach. The first section of the book contains six papers on theoretical and numerical modelling of a range of flow types. The following four papers are focused upon combined theoretical and experimental modelling approaches. The next section contains four papers describing experimental modelling and the final section includes five papers detailing field-based studies.

The volume stands as a testament to the broad range of research carried out on particulate gravity currents, and hints at the enhanced rate of progress that is likely to be achieved through further integrated studies.

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