A conceptual model for loess in England: Principles and applications

PTD, an acronym for Provenance - Transport - Deposition, is a multilayer geomorphotechnical system, the combination of geomorphology, Quaternary Sciences, and geotechnical consequences of its implementation in groundworks and other crosscutting disciplines. Embedded in its three layers are geographical, geochemical, geophysical, mineralogy, dating, lithological and geotechnical inputs. In this state-of-the-art review contribution and for Loess in England, Syngenetic and Epigenetic mechanisms are drawn out and used to generate the three constitutive layers for three conceptual PTD models and the interrelationships among them. The developed models are then deployed to inform earthworks design for three HS2 embankments in Chiltern Hills.