Here's why:
* Debris refers to the mixture of rock, soil, and sometimes even vegetation that moves downhill.
* Flow indicates that the material moves in a fluid-like manner, often rapidly and with a high volume of water.
Other terms that might be used include:
* Mudslide: This term specifically refers to a debris flow where the dominant component is mud.
* Landslide: This is a broader term that encompasses various types of slope failures, including debris flows, rock slides, and soil slips.
The specific term used often depends on the specific characteristics of the event.