Chapter 13Weathering, Karst

Landscapes, and Mass Movement

Geosystems 6eAn Introduction to Physical Geography

Robert W. ChristophersonCharles E. Thomsen

Weathering, Karst Landscapes, and Mass Movement

Landmass DenudationGeomorphology – the science of landformsDenudation – a process that erodes or rearranges landforms  

Weathering Processes  Karst Topography and Landscapes

Limestone  

Mass Movement Processes  

Landmass Denudation Geomorphic Models of Landform Development 

Also called Erosion CycleStart with uplifted surfaceWater erosion cuts into the surface and transports materials elsewhereRidges and valleys are formedSurface eventually becomes rounded 

Dynamic Equilibrium View of Landforms Emphasizes the balance among force, form, and processEvery landscape is unique 

Dynamic Equilibrium

Slope Mechanics and Form

Figure 13.3

Slope Mechanics and Form

Figure 13.3

Weathering Processes  Either disintegrate rock into mineral particles or dissolve them in water

Physical Weathering ProcessesWhen rock is broken and disintegrated without any chemical alteration  

Chemical Weathering Processes  The actual decomposition or chemical change of mineral in rock

Regolith, Soil, and Parent Materials

Figure 13.5

Joint-block Separation

Figure 13.8

Talus Slope

Figure 13.8

Exfoliation in Granite

Figure 13.11

Exfoliation in Granite

Figure 13.11

Chemical Weathering

Figure 13.12

Spheroidal Weathering

Figure 13.12

Karst Topography and Landscapes  Karst  - landscape of limestone with poor drainage that appears pitted and bumpySinkholes  Caves and Caverns  

Karst and Limestone Regions

Figure 13.14

Sinkholes

Figure 13.16 Figure 13.18

Tower Karst

Figure 13.19

Cavern Features

Figure 13.20

Mass Movement Processes  Mass Movement – any unit movement of a body of material, propelled and controlled by gravity  Classes of Mass Movements  

Fall, slide, flow, or creep

Human-Induced Mass Movements (Scarification) Mines, roads, development, mountain-top removal

Madison River Landslide

Figure 13.21

Mass Movement Classes

Figure 13.22

Rockfall

Figure 13.9

Debris Avalanche

Figure 13.25

Soil Creep

Figure 13.27

Scarification

Figure 13.28

End of Chapter 13

Geosystems 6eAn Introduction to Physical Geography

Robert W. ChristophersonCharles E. Thomsen