Some comments on the quantitative formulation of geomorphological processes in a theoretical model

✍ Scribed by Frank Ahnert

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1977
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 615 KB
• Volume: 2
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0360-1269
• DOI: 10.1002/esp.3290020211

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

Quantitative procedures are discussed for the simulation of baselevel lowering, weathering, and several denudation processes within the framework of a three‐dimensional model of landform development Net baselevel lowering is modelled as the outcome of the mass balance at the slope foot Bedrock weathering is seen as a function of waste thickness; a distinction is made between mechanical weathering, with maximum intensity on bare bedrock, and chemical weathering, with maximum intensity under a waste cover thick enough to retain sufficient moisture. Denudation processes considered are splash, viscous flow, plastic flow, and wash‐the latter with a submodel for generating a characteristic spatial distribution of relative runoff discharge. Despite the different empirical results and theoretical considerations that influenced the design of the model equations for these denudation processes, all except suspended load wash denudation produce very similar slope forms. It is shown that these seemingly different equations can be interpreted as special cases of a single general denudation equation.