What is hillslope diffusion?

Hillslope diffusion introduces a point of inflection in the semivariogram. The location of this point of inflection can probably be used for quantifying the ratio of diffusivity and fluvial erodibility and thus the influence of hillslope diffusion on relief for real topographies.

What are the components of hillslope?

Hillslope

  • Debris Flow.
  • Gully.
  • Overland Flow.
  • Rainfall.
  • Soil Erosion.
  • Infiltration.
  • Bedrock.
  • Runoff.

What is hillslope erosion?

Hillslopes constitute the flanks of valleys and the margins of eroding uplands. They are the major zones where rock and soil are loosened by weathering processes and then transported down gradient, often to a river channel.

What is a hillslope system?

Hillslopes are an integral part of the drainage basin system, delivering water and sediment to streams. They range from flat to steep. Commonly, hillslopes form catenas – sequences of linked slope units running from drainage divide to valley floor.

What can lead to hillslope failure?

For example, pore water pressure in soils decreases shear strength, and saturated soils are more likely to lead to slope failure. Perched water tables, groundwater seeps, and excessive precipitation are some examples of water sources that may lead to slope failure in certain conditions.

What is Solifluction mass wasting?

Solifluction is a collective name for gradual processes in which a mass moves down a slope (“mass wasting”) related to freeze-thaw activity. This is the standard modern meaning of solifluction, which differs from the original meaning given to it by Johan Gunnar Andersson in 1906.

What is important in soil creep?

They defined soil creep caused by burrowing agents (e.g., worms, ants, and moles) and tree throw as the main factor for creeping soil. With the help of OSL, they determined when soil grains had last visited the soil surface and measured vertical soil mixing rates of 0.1–0.4 mm yr−1.

What factors can trigger hillslope failure?

Factors that can trigger slope failure include hydrologic events (such as intense or prolonged rainfall, rapid snowmelt, progressive soil saturation, increase of water pressure within the slope), earthquakes (including aftershocks), internal erosion (piping), surface or toe erosion, artificial slope loading (for …

What caused hillslope failure?

Slope failures occur when driving forces overcome resisting forces. The driving force is typically gravity, and the resisting force is the slope material’s shear strength. When assessing a slope’s stability look for indications that physical processes are decreasing shear strength.

What factors affect slope stability?

Slope stability is ultimately determined by two factors: the angle of the slope and the strength of the materials on it. In Figure 15.2 a block of rock situated on a rock slope is being pulled toward Earth’s centre (vertically down) by gravity.