Importance of unique events/thresholds

Discrete vs. continuous processesStorms

DisturbanceLandslides

Debris Flows

Critical Distance from drainage divide = channelization

6. How and where are channels initiated on slopes?

Rain splash

Where flow is thin, rainsplash disturbance prevents channelization

Incision begins when shear stress exceeds

strength

Hillslope- channel transition, colluvial hollows

5. Explain two biologic effects on soil strength and erosion. 

Other biotic effects - vary by climate and location

3

 

4. Describe the physical characteristics of debris flows and the deposits they leave.  

3. Describe how slope stability is modeled for planar and rotational slides.

http://ees.as.uky.edu/sites/default/files/elearning/module11swf.swf

FORCE BALANCE

GRAVITY

SHEAR STRENGTH (FRICTION

AND COHESION or VISCOSITY)

DRIVING VERSUS RESISTING

Rotational failure - clay, silt, homogeneous material

2. What is cohesion and why is it important geomorphically?

1. Predict the effect of a heavy rainstorm on slope stability and explain the reasoning behind your prediction.