[Objective] To study the vertical zonality characteritics of debris flow along Zhamo highway in Tibet in order to provide basis for pre-warming and control of debris flow disasters.[Methods] Based on the field surveys conducted during the period from 2009 to 2015

the influences of zonal factors on the distribution

genetic types and fluidic properties of debris flow along the Zhamo highway were discussed

and then the vertical zonality of debris flow were summarized by genetic analysis and case study.[Results] From south to north

Zhamo highway was divided into two sections by Mt. Gangrigabu

which passes through 5 vertical belts in the south and 8 vertical belts in the north. With the descending of altitude

the density and frequency of debris flows showed a low-high-low tendency. The genetic types gradually changed from debris flow induced by glacial lake outburst flood

glacial debris flow

meltwater-rainfall debris flow

into the rainfall debris flow. Correspondingly

the fluidic properties gradually changed from the mud flow to diluent debris flow

sub-viscous debris flow

and finally into viscous debris flow.[Conclusion] With the vertical belt along the highway descending from theⅠbelt to the Ⅷ belt

distributions of debris flow

genetic types and fluidic properties changed regularly

particularly

the vertical zonality characteristics tend to be more conspicuous in the south section of the highway.