Reidentifying Depositional, Solifluction, “String Lobe” Landforms as Erosional, Topographic, Steps & Risers Formed by Paleo-Snowdunes in Pennsylvania, USA

A controversy arises concerning relict, ubiquitous, depositional, solifluction, “string lobe” landforms in the Ridge and Valley province of Pennsylvania, reported by other investigators. distinguishment is made here defending an original interpretation particular which identified these as snowdune meltwater-eroded depressions formed within colluvium during cold phases Pleistocene Epoch. Hence, are reassessed “steps & risers” this study jargon associated with nival erosion. The reidentification warranted because multiple lines evidence including: landforms’ detailed geomorphology sedimentology; having a highly, unusual, very repetitive, NE-SW orientation; incurring striking, gravity-defying, characteristic running-water erosion repeatedly occurring irrespective steepest part general slope. Besides offered here, also gives insight, resolutions re-confirmations order to establish absolute identification while differentiating between discussed, periglacial, relict landforms. An agreement reached however, regarding actual, true solifluction only on slopes that point particular, direction.