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Gradational Thresholds and Landform Singularity: Significance for Quaternary Studies

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 January 2017

Ze'ev B. Begin  and
Stanley A. Schumm
Ze'ev B. Begin
Affiliation:
The Geological Survey of Israel, Jerusalem, Israel
Stanley A. Schumm
Affiliation:
Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
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Abstract

Geomorphic threshold conditions have been identifed at which stream patterns change and gully initiation occurs. For both, the threshold conditions are defined by the parameter of “relative shear stress” which is a measure of the energy state of the system and is based on known values of stream slope and mean annual discharge (for patterns) or drainage area (for gullies). The probability of passing from a stream pattern to another, or from stable to gullied valley floors, is a smooth function of relative shear stress and so the thresholds separating the different states of the geomorphic systems are gradational. The singularity of landforms prevents the identification of a sharp threshold, and as a result landform sensitivity will differ within the same area and under the same conditions. Therefore, geomorphic predictions and postdictions will be uncertain, and Quaternary correlations will lack precision.

Type
Research Article
Information
Quaternary Research , Volume 21 , Issue 3 , May 1984 , pp. 267 - 274
Copyright
University of Washington

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