Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Encyclopedia of Quaternary Science, 3rd Edition |
Editors | S. Elias |
Publisher | Elsevier |
Pages | 122-141 |
Number of pages | 20 |
Volume | 5 |
Edition | 3rd |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9780443299971 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2025 |
Abstract
Talus slopes store rockfall debris at the foot of cliffs. They are one of the most prominent landforms of mountain areas that experience (or formerly experienced) glaciation and/or periglaciation, reflecting rock mechanical, topo-climatic and paraglacial controls. Although rockfall is the primary depositional mechanism for the accumulation of talus debris, talus slopes may be significantly modified by snow avalanches, debris flows and permafrost creep. Climate warming drives significant changes within rockwall–talus systems via frost action, permafrost and deglaciation dynamics, with implications for mountain hazards and hydrology.