On the elementary geomorphic units study

Abstract

Morphological features of elementary catchments control water flow character, transition of the surface runoff from one type to another, and' therefore changes of erosion process type and temporal and spatial variations of the erosion rate. Character and degree of the catchment surface differentiation reflect and indicate differences in «morphodynamical tension» within a catchment, the tension being more near thalweg (fractional elementary morphological units) and less near water divide.