Slopes

Mass wasting dominates the geomorphology of steep slopes in most environments (i.e. subhumid to humid)
In dry environments (badlands) slopes are subject to episodic fluvial erosion

Slope forms

characteristic slopes: the angle of the dominant slope segment that is achieved when the slope profile is in equilibrium with the predominant slope

convex slope segments
- form on the upper parts of slopes in response to soil creep and rainsplash erosion, when slopes are below the threshold for rapid mass wasting
concave slope segments
- depositional (e.g. talus) or transporational (e.g. pediments) slope segments that form near the base of slopes and in the absence of removal of waste (e.g. river downcutting)
- with increasing runoff downslope, velocity and sediment transport can be maintained over increasingly lower slopes
straight slope segments
- mid-slope segments dominated by transfer of debris or removal at a uniform rate (e.g. shallow slides)
- also the lower parts of slopes where debris is removed from the base
composite slopes
- most hillslopes consist of a series of segments, for example, convex-concave slopes with soil and vegetation: a convex upper segment, straight mid slope and basal concavity

rock slopes: slope angles are controlled by geologic structure or rock mass strength, i.e. the resistance of rock units to gravitational and fluid stresses

strength equilibrium slopes
- rock slope profiles that reflect the strength of the rock units that underlay the slope
- occur in massive or horizontally bedded rocks
structurally-controled slopes
- in dipping or folded rocks where slope angles conform to geologic structures

decline
- progressive decrease in slope angle as upper convexities and basal concavities from by creep, splash and wash and consume the straight segment
replacement
- the straight segment retreats and is replaced by a lower wash slope
parallel retreat
- uniform intensity if slope processes and/or constant rock strength and removal of debris from the base