talus
Quick Summary
Talus is a slope formed by an accumulation of rock debris, or the rock debris itself found at the base of a cliff. This debris is created through physical weathering, primarily by the process of freezing and thawing water within rock cracks. As water freezes, it expands, exerting pressure that can fracture rocks. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles break down exposed bedrock into angular fragments.12
These fragments can then move downslope due to gravity, water flow, or frost-induced creep. When these angular rock fragments accumulate at the base of steep slopes, they form talus. A larger area covered in such debris is called a felsenmeer, or "sea of rocks". Talus is also known as scree.23
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valleyHillslopesTalus slopes are a type in which debris piles up to a characteristic angle of repose. When new debris is added to the slope, thereby locally increasing the angle, the slope adjusts by movement of the debris to reestablish the angle. Again, the result is…
Read MoreTalus slopes are a type in which debris piles up to a characteristic angle of repose. When new debris is added to the slope, thereby locally increasing the angle, the slope adjusts by movement of the debris to reestablish the angle. Again, the result is…
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glacial landformFelsenmeers, talus, and rock glaciers…steep slopes are known as talus. Owing to the steepness of the valley sides of many glacial troughs, talus is commonly found in formerly glaciated mountain regions. Talus cones are formed when the debris coming from above is channelized on its way to the base of the cliff in rock…
Read More…steep slopes are known as talus. Owing to the steepness of the valley sides of many glacial troughs, talus is commonly found in formerly glaciated mountain regions. Talus cones are formed when the debris coming from above is channelized on its way to the base of the cliff in rock…
Read More