Objective The rapid incision of rivers in the Tongde Ancient Basin has resulted in the formation of debris flow gullies with alternating wide and narrow sections. Investigating the wave motion of debris flows in such unevenly incised terrain is of great significance for disaster prevention and mitigation. Methods Field monitoring of debris flow processes in alternating wide and narrow sections was conducted using mud level gauges and velocity meters. Additionally, flume experiments were performed to examine the influence of varying rainfall-runoff discharges (Q1-Q5) on the flow regime transitions and dynamic processes of debris flows in such terrain. Results For moderate-scale (Q3) debris flows, the Froude number increased by 15.63% after passing through the canyon section compared to before the canyon section, and the flow head showed significant fluidization. The canyon terrain amplified the velocity of moderate-scale (Q3) debris flows, increasing the speed by 32.21% compared to before the canyon section. The canyon terrain suppressed the velocity of small-scale (Q1, Q2) or large-scale (Q4, Q5) debris flows, reducing their speed by 15.65% to 53.44% compared to before the canyon section. Conclusion The canyon terrain significantly affects the velocities of the debris flow body and head, as well as the additional slope drop induced by the flow head. The balance between the thrust of the debris flow body on the head, the additional gradient formed by the head, and the frictional resistance of the head leads to the intermittent wave motion of the head. For debris flows triggered by moderate rainfall intensity, the fluctuation of pore water pressure was pronounced after passing through the canyon section. The debris flow experiences shear thinning with low resistance, resulting in higher velocities at the gully outlet under medium intensity rainfall conditions compared to high intensity rainfall conditions. Meanwhile, the shear stress of the thinned debris flow body increases, showing a tendency toward headward erosion and amplifying the scale of the debris flow.
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