Estimating the rates of Earth surface processes may provide a deeper comprehension of landscape shaping at different spatial/temporal scales in the light of ongoing or future climate changes and geomorphological hazards. This study explores the use of terrestrial laser scanner combined with macro/micromorphological and compositional analyses to assess three-year surface and volume changes on three granodiorite scarps in a Mediterranean upland environment (Sila Massif, Italy), estimate erosion/accumulation rates and relate them to specific geomorphic processes, weathering patterns and grades. The three scarps, affected by intermediate to high weathering grade classes, respond differently according to aspect and grain size. On coarser-grained granite of the W-facing, scarp 1 rounded weathering patterns developed because of the moister, less insolated conditions. On the finer-grained rocks of the SE-facing scarp 2, with prolonged insolation and temporary moisture, angular patterns prevail. Fine vs. coarse weathered material detached from the scarps is facilitated by prevalent chemical or physical rock degradation processes. On scarp 3, the coexistence of zones affected by pronounced physical breakdown and others influenced by pervasive chemical weathering is due to intermediate microclimatic conditions brought about by varying E and NE-facing aspect of the scarp. Rock jointing likely controls rockfall processes. The average retreat/advance rates of the scarps range from n x 10-6 to 10-2 m yr- 1, with net erosion rates in the range 1 x 10- 2-3 x 10-4 m yr- 1 and are consistent with literature data. 3D models also allow the assessment of pre-failure landslide processes affecting the scarps and their relationships with weathering.

Weathering processes and rates of scarp retreat in a Mediterranean mountain environment: A multi-analytical approach from terrestrial laser scanning to microscale surveys

Marsico, A;Capolongo, D
2022-01-01

Abstract

Estimating the rates of Earth surface processes may provide a deeper comprehension of landscape shaping at different spatial/temporal scales in the light of ongoing or future climate changes and geomorphological hazards. This study explores the use of terrestrial laser scanner combined with macro/micromorphological and compositional analyses to assess three-year surface and volume changes on three granodiorite scarps in a Mediterranean upland environment (Sila Massif, Italy), estimate erosion/accumulation rates and relate them to specific geomorphic processes, weathering patterns and grades. The three scarps, affected by intermediate to high weathering grade classes, respond differently according to aspect and grain size. On coarser-grained granite of the W-facing, scarp 1 rounded weathering patterns developed because of the moister, less insolated conditions. On the finer-grained rocks of the SE-facing scarp 2, with prolonged insolation and temporary moisture, angular patterns prevail. Fine vs. coarse weathered material detached from the scarps is facilitated by prevalent chemical or physical rock degradation processes. On scarp 3, the coexistence of zones affected by pronounced physical breakdown and others influenced by pervasive chemical weathering is due to intermediate microclimatic conditions brought about by varying E and NE-facing aspect of the scarp. Rock jointing likely controls rockfall processes. The average retreat/advance rates of the scarps range from n x 10-6 to 10-2 m yr- 1, with net erosion rates in the range 1 x 10- 2-3 x 10-4 m yr- 1 and are consistent with literature data. 3D models also allow the assessment of pre-failure landslide processes affecting the scarps and their relationships with weathering.
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11586/415816
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