Chapter 13 Weathering, Karst Landscapes, and Mass Movement Geosystems 6e An Introduction to Physical Geography Robert W. Christopherson Charles E. Thomsen

Weathering, Karst Landscapes, and Mass Movement Landmass Denudation Geomorphology – the science of landforms Denudation – a process that erodes or rearranges landforms   Weathering Processes   Karst Topography and Landscapes Limestone   Mass Movement Processes  

Landmass Denudation Geomorphic Models of Landform Development Also called Erosion Cycle Start with uplifted surface Water erosion cuts into the surface and transports materials elsewhere Ridges and valleys are formed Surface eventually becomes rounded  Dynamic Equilibrium View of Landforms  Emphasizes the balance among force, form, and process Every landscape is unique 

Dynamic Equilibrium

Slope Mechanics and Form Figure 13.3

Slope Mechanics and Form Figure 13.3

Weathering Processes Physical Weathering Processes Either disintegrate rock into mineral particles or dissolve them in water Physical Weathering Processes When rock is broken and disintegrated without any chemical alteration   Chemical Weathering Processes   The actual decomposition or chemical change of mineral in rock

Regolith, Soil, and Parent Materials Figure 13.5

Joint-block Separation Figure 13.8

Talus Slope Figure 13.8

Exfoliation in Granite Figure 13.11

Exfoliation in Granite Figure 13.11

Chemical Weathering Figure 13.12

Spheroidal Weathering Figure 13.12

Karst Topography and Landscapes Karst  - landscape of limestone with poor drainage that appears pitted and bumpy Sinkholes   Caves and Caverns  

Karst and Limestone Regions Figure 13.14

Sinkholes Figure 13.16 Figure 13.18

Tower Karst Figure 13.19

Cavern Features Figure 13.20

Mass Movement Processes Mass Movement – any unit movement of a body of material, propelled and controlled by gravity   Classes of Mass Movements   Fall, slide, flow, or creep Human-Induced Mass Movements (Scarification) Mines, roads, development, mountain-top removal

Madison River Landslide Figure 13.21

Mass Movement Classes Figure 13.22

Rockfall Figure 13.9

Debris Avalanche Figure 13.25

Soil Creep Figure 13.27

Scarification Figure 13.28

Geosystems 6e An Introduction to Physical Geography End of Chapter 13 Geosystems 6e An Introduction to Physical Geography Robert W. Christopherson Charles E. Thomsen