Slope Processes

Slope Processes

Slope - any part of the solid land surface where there is an incline (gradiant). 

Processes operating on slopes have a major impact on fluvial (river) landscapes. 

Slope Processes transfer material downslope to the river. In doing so they transfer material downslope to the river. The material carried downslope may be transported by the river and some of the larger material may be transported by the river and some of the larger material may be used to eriode the river channel and bed. 

Mass movements - any large scale movement of the earths surface that are not accompanied by a moving agent such as a river, glacier or ocean wave. Include very small movements, e.g. soil creep, and fast movements, such as avalanches. Dry movements such as rock falls, to fluid movements, mud flows. 

Slope Movements 

Soil Creep .... Rain-Splash Erosion 

Soil Creep -

Individual soil particles are pushed or heaved to the surface by wetting, heating or freezing water.

Move at right angles to the surface (zone of least resistance)

They fall under the influence of gravity once the particles have dried or cooled or water thawed.

Net movement is downslope

Rates are slow, 1mm/year in the UK and up to 5mm/year in tropical rainforest. 

They form Small scale terracettes. 

Rain-Splash Erosion 

on Flat surfaces raindrops compact the soil and dislodge particles equally in all directions. 

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