Dynamic varieties of the slope debris mantle at the Pribaikalye region and their geomorphological significance

Abstract

Sharp displacements or stability of the loose mantle on slopes as well as rate and type

of mass movement are controlled by internal mechanisms which cannot be directly observed.

Removal of the loose mantle due to vibration, wind, sheet wash and sub-surficial wash, chemical erosion etc. lessen stresses in soils thus diminishing the danger of catastrophic processes on slopes. Another group of factors - increase in density, in cohesive force and friction as well as dense vegetation cover-promote the formation of the layer of critical thickness liable to earthflows, landslides, debris fall etc. On the basis of the analysis of counteracting forces and factors, different dynamic states of loose mantle are identified, which can be used for slopes' subdivision according to their destruction intensity, minerals distribution etc.