Subsurface hydrology of layered colluvium mantles in unchannelled valleys—south‐Eastern Brazil

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Abstract
The effects of subsurface hydrology on the evolution of erosive processes inside layered colluvium mantles in unchannelled valleys are investigated. Tensiometer nests are installed in different morphological conditions with their specific depths controlled by the subsurface structure of the colluvium mantle. Daily readings (during one year) and physical and mechanical analyses of the different colluvium layers are carried out.In spite of a highly discontinuous subsurface structure, present topography is the major factor controlling subsurface flow in this landscape. Paleotopographic features, usually resulting from the lateral mobilization of the previous topographic hollow axis, can locally control the preferential expansion of the saturated zone towards areas other than the present hollow axis. During rainy periods, pressure head at the base of the hollow axis increases towards a maximum value which is not increased by subsequent precipitation inputs. New water input is dissipated by direct precipitation onto the saturated zone and exfiltration by seepage at the gully head walls, precluding the development of the excess pore pressures required to trigger failure by landsliding.