Hillslope Form and Process

This book looks at hillslopes and studies process mechanisms and rates that have become sufficiently numerous to allow a systematic study of them.

M. A. Carson (Author), M. J. Kirkby (Author)

9780521109116, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 18 June 2009

484 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 3.2 cm, 0.86 kg

Hillslopes occupy most the landscape. Studies of process mechanisms and rates have become sufficiently numerous to allow a systematic study of slopes. Only by making a synthesis of quantitative process studies and relating them to the development of slope forms can the shape of the landscape be understood and the separate effects of lithology and climate assessed. In the introductory part of this book, the choice of appropriate system and scale is discussed, and models for uplift and erosion evaluated. Attention is thus focused on the dynamic equilibrium of the slope profile and its erosional development over time. Part I then examines the forces encouraging hillslope movement and the resistances opposing movement. Part 2 considers processes of rock instability, soil instability, wash, solution and soil creep. Each is discussed in terms of its mechanism and rate of operation, and the slope provides it produces. Part 3 outlines how this systematic approach may be applied to areas of different climate and the extent to which there is an assemblage of processes characteristic of each area. In part 4, the process evidence and models are combined into theoretical sequences of slope profile development, and the effect of contour curvature in modifying these profiles on spurts and in hollows is examined.

Preface
Introduction
1. Geomorphic systems and models
2. Starting points: systems of reference
Part I. Force and Resistance: 3. Force: sources of energy for debris transport
4. Resistance
Part II. Process: The Interaction of Force and Resistance: 5. Process: introduction
6. Instability processes in rock masses
7. Instability in soil masses
8. Surface water erosion
9. Sub-surface water erosion
10. Soil creep
part III. Form: comparison of Real Forms with Process-Response Models: 11. Humid temperate areas
12. The periglacial landscape
13. Semi-arid and arid landscapes
14. Tropical landforms
Part IV. Synthesis: 15. Slope profiles
16. Slopes in drainage basins
Appendices.

Subject Areas: Physical geography & topography [RGB]