Particle Sorting in Scree Slopes: Characterization and Interpretation From the Micromechanical Perspective

Abstract

A scree (talus) slope is characterized by an inclined accumulation of rock debris sourced from the upper part of a weathered cliff at the foot of the cliff. Scree slopes are widely encountered in high, frigid mountainous regions and have some interesting geomorphic features (Caine, 1969;Kirkby & Statham, 1975;Sass, 2006). The formation of scree slopes, as shown in Figure 1, is a complex process that involves the detachment, descent, movement, and accumulation of weathered and failed rock. The mechanics of this dynamic process have been of long-standing interest in a number of fields (e.g.,

A continuum model of discrete granular avalanches

“…In nature, episodic avalanches of dry grains can be observed down screes or debris slopes (Church, Stock & Ryder 1979;Dai et al 2022), or down the lee faces of eolian dunes (Allen 1970;Sherman et al 2022). Related phenomena, also involving the failure of metastable slopes, include landslides and snow avalanches.…”

“…In nature, episodic avalanches of dry grains can be observed down screes or debris slopes (Church, Stock & Ryder 1979; Dai et al. 2022), or down the lee faces of eolian dunes (Allen 1970; Sherman et al. 2022).…”