Variability in badlands erosion; problems of scale and threshold identification

Badlands, such as those found in Dinosaur Provincial Park, exhibit accelerated erosion and are perpetually near threshold conditions, making them highly sensitive to variations in geomorphic processes. This study reveals that adjacent units within badland slope profiles can respond differently to similar extrinsic thresholds due to variations in lithology durability and intrinsic qualities. Over a ten-year period, researchers analyzed spatial and temporal variability in erosional and depositional processes, examining how different surface types adjust their form and character in response to external factors. The findings highlight the challenges in identifying erosion thresholds and understanding landform responses during subthreshold periods, emphasizing the disequilibrium nature of badlands.

Campbell, I. A., & Honsaker, J. L. (2020). Variability in badlands erosion; problems of scale and threshold identification. Space and Time in Geomorphology, 59–79. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429297977-4