Hilltop Curvature Increases With the Square Root of Erosion Rate

The shape of soil-mantled hillslopes is typically attributed to erosion rate and the transport efficiency various processes that contribute soil creep. While climate generally hypothesized have an important influence on creep rates, a lack uniformity in measurement has been obstacle evaluating controls this landscape parameter. We addressed problem by compiling data set which calculated using single method, analysis hilltop curvatures 1-m LiDAR data, rates also determined via in-situ cosmogenic 10Be concentrations. Moreover, control for lithology, we chose sites are only underlain resistant bedrock. span range (6–922 mm/kyr), mean annual precipitation (39–320 cm/yr), aridity index (0.08–1.38). Surprisingly, find curvature varies with square root rate, whereas previous studies predict linear relationship. In addition, inferred coefficient but insensitive climate. explore mechanisms might link conclude present theory regarding unable explain our results is, therefore, incomplete. Finally, tentatively suggest occurring bedrock (e.g., fracture generation) may play role hillslope profiles at sites.