Lecture 15 - Hillslope Processes

Question 1

Define Mass Wasting

Answer 1

-Rock and/ or regolith moving downslope under the effect of gravity

Question 2

What Shape will all Hills eventually assume?

Answer 2

-A convex/ concave shape
-Convex at the top and concave near the bottom

Question 3

Describe the Characteristics of Hills in Humid Climates

Answer 3

-Soil thickness increases downslope
-Transport limited, meaning the amount of material leaving the slope depends on how much rivers can take away

Question 4

Define Diffusion when referring to Hills

Answer 4

-Down-slope sediment movement due to slope gradient

Question 5

Define Advection

Answer 5

-Sediment movement due to water

Question 6

Describe the Characteristics of Hills in Arid Climates

Answer 6

-Very little activity at the top due to lack of water and resistance of rock
-Steep slopes with very sparse vegetation and exposed bedrock
-Weathering limited, meaning the amount of material at the bottom depends on how resistant to weathering it is
-Material remains for a long time due to lack of water

Question 7

Define Colluvium

Answer 7

-Unconsolidated material at the very bottom of a slope where the hill profile becomes flat enough for material to rest
-No internal structure and rocks (clasts) are of any size from boulders to silt and clay

Question 8

Define Talus

Answer 8

-Unconsolidated material at the bottom of steep slopes that has yet to form part of the colluvium