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Slope properties, slope processes and soil erosion risk in the tropical rain forest of Kalimantan Timur (Indonesian Borneo)
Author(s) -
Besler Helga
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
earth surface processes and landforms
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.294
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1096-9837
pISSN - 0197-9337
DOI - 10.1002/esp.3290120209
Subject(s) - denudation , erosion , weathering , landform , hydrology (agriculture) , geology , environmental science , physical geography , geomorphology , geography , geotechnical engineering , paleontology , tectonics
The landforms of the study area at the margin of the Central Kalimantan Mountains are relatively young and covered by undisturbed primary rain forest receiving an annual rainfall of 4147 mm. The most important variables for slope processes and their interrelations were studied by simple means along slope profiles on a representative hill. Weathering and erosion appear to be in a dynamic equilibrium leading to parallel slope retreat. Measurable denudation occurred within a fortnight with rates of 10 to 22 mm, varying with litter cover and slope exposition. As the forest is planned for ‘limited production’, the soil‐erosion risk for changing conditions was estimated using the model by Morgan et al. (1982). Results from field work and from calculations alike show the enormous importance of a protective ground cover.