The study of hillslopes is a central element of geomorphology, and has been the cause of many of the major methodological disputes in the subject. This book describes the present state of knowledge of hillslope form, the results of measurements of hillslope form and points to unresolved problems in the understanding of it. The book deals with observed variations in hillslope form across the surface of the earth and concludes by examining the influence of man on hillslopes and assessing the contribution that the understanding of natural hillslopes may make to the management of man-made inclines.

The study of hillslopes is a central element of geomorphology, and has been the cause of many of the major methodological disputes in the subject. This book describes the present state of knowledge of hillslope form, the results of measurements of hillslope form and points to unresolved problems in the understanding of it. The book deals with observed variations in hillslope form across the surface of the earth and concludes by examining the influence of man on hillslopes and assessing the contribution that the understanding of natural hillslopes may make to the management of man-made inclines.

Hillslopes occupy most the landscape. Studies of process mechanisms and rates have become sufficiently numerous to allow a systematic study of slopes. Only by making a synthesis of quantitative process studies and relating them to the development of slope forms can the shape of the landscape be understood and the separate effects of lithology and climate assessed. In the introductory part of this book, the choice of appropriate system and scale is discussed, and models for uplift and erosion evaluated. Attention is thus focused on the dynamic equilibrium of the slope profile and its erosional development over time. Part I then examines the forces encouraging hillslope movement and the resistances opposing movement. Part 2 considers processes of rock instability, soil instability, wash, solution and soil creep. Each is discussed in terms of its mechanism and rate of operation, and the slope provides it produces. Part 3 outlines how this systematic approach may be applied to areas of different climate and the extent to which there is an assemblage of processes characteristic of each area. In part 4, the process evidence and models are combined into theoretical sequences of slope profile development, and the effect of contour curvature in modifying these profiles on spurts and in hollows is examined.

This book, first published in 1986, collects the articles presented to the 16th Binghamton Geomorphology Symposium and is a ground-breaking work in the study of hillslope processes. Hillslope processes are studied in a variety of disciplines other than geomorphology, such as hydrology, pedology, agricultural engineering, civil engineering and engineering geology – the study is truly an interdisciplinary science.

Volume editor is the leading authority in the field Alphabetically organized in two volumes c.700 comprehensively signed, cross-referenced and indexed entries Detailed bibliographies and suggestions for further reading follow most entries Fully illustrated: over 300 plates and line drawings Written by an editorial team of over 270 experts from over thirty countries

Landslides are caused by a failure of the mechanical balance within hillslopes. This balance is governed by two coupled physical processes: hydrological or subsurface flow and stress. The stabilizing strength of hillslope materials depends on effective stress, which is diminished by rainfall. This book presents a cutting-edge quantitative approach to understanding hydro-mechanical processes across variably saturated hillslope environments and to the study and prediction of rainfall-induced landslides. Topics covered include historic synthesis of hillslope geomorphology and hydrology, total and effective stress distributions, critical reviews of shear strength of hillslope materials and different bases for stability analysis. Exercises and homework problems are provided for students to engage with the theory in practice. This is an invaluable resource for graduate students and researchers in hydrology, geomorphology, engineering geology, geotechnical engineering and geomechanics and for professionals in the fields of civil and environmental engineering and natural hazard analysis.