Slope-Channel Coupling as a Factor in the Evolution of Mountains

In this thesis, coupling between the delivery of slope material into valley floors and river erosion is considered to be a factor in the evolution of mid-altitude, forested mountains. Analyses of slope-channel interactions were made in ten small catchments with particular emphasis on landsliding-erosion feedback. An original, new dendrogeomorphic approach was applied to determine the cyclic occurrence of landsliding and erosion during recent decades. The results of dendrochronological studies show that the processes studied are strongly interdependent. Fluvial erosion can trigger landsliding by undermining slope bases. Landsliding can intensify erosion by delivering slope material into valley floors. The results of dendrochronological studies have permitted a better understanding of the relief observed in areas where landslides and erosion are coupled. A scheme was established which describes the importance of coupling in the evolution of mid-mountain landscape.

Nominated as an outstanding Ph. D. thesis by the University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland Dendrochronological record of lateral slope-channel (landsliding-erosion) coupling - the work presents results of an original approach, the first such comparative study until now Results of coupling in valley morphology are documented by numerous photos, schemes and maps Includes a scheme of mid-mountain landscape evolution based on observations of slope-channel coupling New dendrochronological tool for analyses of landslide activity was used - examples of spatial-temporal analyses (presentations of landslide dynamics) are provided Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Contenu

Introduction.- Materials and methods.- Study catchments.- The delivery of slope material to the valley floors of small mid-mountain catchments record in relief and deposits.- The evolution of relief in mid-altitude mountains as a result of the delivery of slope material to valley floors discussion.- Conclusions.