Origin and Distribution of Gravel in Stream Systems of Arid Regions. Volume I.
Abstract
The present study is concerned with production, transport and deposition of gravel in fluvial systems in hot arid regions. It attempts a definition of the variables affecting gravel origin, transport and deposition, assessment of significant changes in texture after deposition and evaluation of the composition of gravel buried in the upper alluvial section of depositional basins. The arid gemorphic environment is characterized by low precipitation, low rates of chemical weathering in most lithologic environments, high rates of mechanical weathering, scant vegetation and slow and sporadic soil development. General climate-process framework places most hot deserts in regions receiving less than 150 mm/yr of mean annual precipitation. Major geomorphic processes and events, occurring in rocky deserts are: mechanical weathering; debris flows and wash on hillslopes; free wind activity, precipitation of salts in fractured and elastic rocks and soils, and floods. Differential areal geomorphic activity and differential runoff-sediment contribution are very strongly emphasized in the arid environment. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA069728
Entities
People
- Lanny R. Mchargue
- Louis H. Fleischhauer
- Ran Gerson
- William B. Bull
- William C. Tucker Jr.
Organizations
- University of Arizona