7.35 Hillslope Processes in Tropical Environments

摘要: Tropical environments are characterized by abundant water, high ground surface temperatures, and rates of biological decay. These factors support chemical weathering intense leaching. Studies from various areas in the tropics indicate that transformation bedrock to saprolite soil is subject topographic controls. However, relatively little known about lowering hillslopes. High denudation associated with landslides. A close association exists between heavy rainstorms landslide episodes, but there no direct relationship total rainfall amount, intensity antecedent rainfalls, number volume shallow landslides seem occur more often rainy season triggered mostly during on steep slopes. Debris flows, other hand, at end season. movements initiated long slopes hillslope hollows. Wash erosion, rill action, gully erosion depend characteristics density vegetation cover. Unconcentrated wash processes can savannah as well rainforest environments. Gully due human interference. In Brazil, gullying closely linked colluvial layers inherited past. Differences form gullies formative appear be differences saprolite.