| Abstract: | Rock fragment cover occurs on hillslopes in many parts of the world and may be especially prevalent in arid and semiarid regions. These rock veneers form by a variety of process sets, each resulting in a condition of approximate hillslope equilibrium and stability. It is proposed that the long term influx of rock fragments to a point on a hillslope must equal the long term outflux from that point to approach stability, regardless of the dominant process set. Thus, the route toward equilibrium and stability is represented by a mass balance equation integrating rock fragment influx, accumulated rock mass, and rock fragment outflux. This model of hillslope development may be applicable to a variety of process controlled hillslope types such as talus slopes, debris fans, and those resulting from the gully gravure process set. Where changes in rock fragment fluxes occur, due to natural or human induced disturbances to the hillslope system, the model depicts the return toward equilibrium and stability. |
