Which term refers to the deposition at the bottom after an avalanche?

• A. Crown
• B. Bed surface
• C. Flank
• D. Debris

Answer: (D)

In avalanche terms, the material that settles and piles up at the bottom of the path is called debris. As the snow, and sometimes accompanying ice or rock, continues downslope, it loses energy and comes to rest in the runout area, forming a debris deposit. The crown is the fracture line at the top that initiates the avalanche, the bed surface is the ground-facing layer where the snow sits, and the flank are the sides of the avalanche path. Debris specifically describes that bottom deposition, which is why it’s the best choice.