Geomorphic characteristics of dryland distributive systems

Paolo Billi

doi:10.21094/rg.2021.101

Paolo Billi International Platform for Dryland Reserach and Education, Tottori University

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21094/rg.2021.101

Keywords: distributive systems, ephemeral streams, fans, deltas, drylands

Abstract

Dryland distributive systems include different types of depositional bodies: distributary systems, alluvial fans, fan deltas, lacustrine deltas and sea deltas. Geomorphic data of 81 distributive systems from different arid lands in the world were selected and simple geomorphic parameters such as distributive system area, average length of radius, average slope and apex angle, were measured. The data analysis indicate that these typologies have different characteristics, though the most distinctive groups include fans, deltas and distributary system, the geomorphic characteristics of which are constantly intermediate between the two former groups. The results seem to confirm the hypothesis of De Chant et al. (1999) that the shape of distributive systems is mainly controlled by sediment diffusion, channel processes and accommodation space characteristics.

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