INVESTIGATION OF TOPSOIL HORIZONS OF MOUNTAIN SLOPES AS A BASIS OF EXPERIMENTAL GEOMORPHOLOGY

Abstract

The results of simplified penetration test, in situ permeability test for its vertical distribution and other supplementary survey which were carried out in six test fields demonstrate that the microstructure of the soil horizons and their physical properties directly reflect the current geomorphological processes active on the slopes in question. Investigation of the structure of topsoil horizons in and around the landslide scars reveals the critical conditions for their occurrence. In situ measurement of the physical properties of finely stratified soil gives important information about the dynamic balance between weathering and denudation. The methods of investigation as described here will be useful as a preliminary procedure for more detailed geomorphological experiments on mountain slopes.