Rates of surface processes on slopes, slope retreat and denudation

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Abstract
Results taken from 270 publications on rates are summarized, and collated with those from 149 publications reviewed previously (Young, 1969, 1974). The data are classified by major climatic zone, normal or steep relief, and consolidated or unconsolidated rocks. Representative rates and their ranges are given for soil creep, solifluction, surface wash, solution (chemical denudation), rock weathering, slope retreat, cliff (free face) retreat, marine cliff retreat, and denudation, the last being compared with representative rates of uplift. Solifluction is of the order of 10 times faster than soil creep, but both cause only very slow ground loss. Solution is an important cause of ground loss for siliceous rocks, on which it may be half as rapid as on limestones. Total denudation, brought about mainly by surface wash, reaches a maximum in the semi‐arid and probably also the tropical savanna zones. Acceleration of natural erosion rates by human activities ranges from 2–3 times with moderately intense land use to about 10 times with intensive land use (and considerably higher still where there is recognized accelerated soil erosion). Where there is active uplift, typical rates are of the order of 10 times faster than denudation, although in some high, steep mountain ranges these may approach equality.